Pensioners'' two-year wait for shower access

07/04/2008

A Welsh pensioner has been "failed miserably" by his local council after facing a two-year wait for disabled shower facilities.

Brian Smith, a 70-year-old resident of Hanover Court sheltered accommodation in Pembrokeshire, needs access to disabled shower facilities due his severely impaired movement, reports the Western Telegraph.

John Baldock, manager of Hanover Court, told the paper that he requested a level access shower for Mr Smith in July 2006 but the work still has to be carried out.

"Residents are left to be as independent as possible but there is no way he can use the shower here," he commented.

"There is a definite need here to maintain his independence and I'm absolutely disgusted by the length of time this is taking," Mr Baldock concluded.

Mr Smith has to attend a day centre on certain days of the week to use shower facilities, while a Pembrokeshire county council spokesman apologised for the inconvenience and told the paper that the work was being arranged.

Impey Showers, a leading manufacturer of disabled shower products, state that level access showers are ideal for users of walking frames or wheelchairs, and allow maximum space in the bathroom to aid easy manoeuvring.