News


MBC‘wronged disabledman’


MAIDSTONE Borough Council has been hauled over the coals for refusing a disabled man’s appli- cation to join the housing register meaning he and his family were condemned to unsuitable accom- modation. The Local Government and So-


cial Care Ombudsman has or- dered MBC to “remedy the injustice caused” in the case of wheelchair-bound “Mr K”. MBC must apologise to Mr K,


review his case, offer compensa- tion for “distress” and train offi- cers in dealingwith similar issues. The 13-page report details how


Mr K and Mrs K, both benefits claimants, lived with their son “L” in a two-bed housing associa- tion property. In 2015, Mr K applied to be al-


lowed on theMBC housing regis- ter following a life-changing operation which meant his ac- commodationwas no longer suit- able due to his permanent


disability. Being wheelchair- bound, hewas unable to navigate his way around the property, causing himto topple backwards on one occasion. He had several falls from his


bed, breaking bones, and his wife’s health, too, began to suffer. According to a medical report,


Mr K sufferswith depression and anxiety. The report reveals how MBC


tried to charge for a medical as- sessment andwas slowto reply to his concerns. TheOmbudsman states: “There


was poor communication by the council. “It failed to tellMr K about the


involvement of, and the assess- ment by, the Independent Med- icalAdvisor until a telephone call 12 days after sending him its de- cision. “The injustice to Mr K is not


having his medical evidence and application properly considered.”


downsmail.co.uk Care boss ‘binned drugs’


THE head of care at a residential home for the elderly nearMaidstone narrowly avoided jail after she admitted "wilful neglect" of 14 residents. Magistrates heard how Susan McIntosh (53) threw medication in a


bin rather than give it to the residents on a night shift. She was employed at the


Chippendayle Lodge in Chip- pendayleDrive,Harrietsham, where she was in charge of all medications for the 40 plus people living there. But a fellow worker be-


came suspicious McIntosh was dumping the drugs when she found a sealed bag,with pills inside, in a bin. When she checked the


records, McIntosh had signed the records to say the medication was adminis- tered. Although the defendant


claimed she had no recollection of the incidents she “put her hands up” when confronted. McIntosh was of previous good character but had “a lot going on in


her personal life” as her partner was suffering with brain cancer. Defending, Hugh Roberts said shewas nowbarred fromcarework for


10 years and now looks after her partner as sole carer. McIntosh, of Throwley Forstal, Faversham, admitted 13 counts of ill-


treatment/wilful neglect between November 18 and 19, 2017. Magistrates sentencedMcIntosh to 100 days in prison for each of the counts, to run concurrently and to be suspended for 18months.


River Medway Boat Trips


Take in the sights and splendour of the Maidstone stretch of the River Medway from the comfort of your own seat aboard the Kentish Lady River Boat. Cruising between Allington and Teston the Kentish lady with its fully licensed bar is also a unique venue for a wedding reception or private party.


One Hour Trips


The Kentish Lady runs one-hour return trips at weekends and school holidays (one way available) from Maidstone Town Centre to Allington Lock between Easter and October. Maidstone is perfect for an afternoon shopping trip at The Mall or Fremlin Walk or just meeting friends. Whilst at Allington Lock, you can stop for lunch at the Malta Inn restaurant or spend time at the Kent Life Attraction. Along the route, you can also request to stop at Whatman Park.


Three Hour Cruises


Three-hour weekday cruises (Tues – Fri) to Teston via Farleigh Lock include picnic box or fish and chips, plus fresh fruit, tea, coffee or water, all at only £25 per person.


Private Hire


The Kentish lady is also available for private functions including, wedding receptions , birthdays or social gatherings with Champagne Reception Licensed Bar, DJ and buffet available at additional cost.


Trip to Allington Castle The Kentish Lady is delighted to offer an exclusive and unique excursion for groups and societies to experience the


scenic River Medway combined with a guided tour of Allington Castle’s beautiful gardens. (Limited availability for individuals)


Hire Cruisers Ltd, Undercliffe Boathouse, Bishops Way, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6XG Telephone: 01622 753740 | Email: boattrips@kentishlady.co.uk


12


www.kentishlady.co.uk Maidstone June 2019


re-commencing from Easter 2019


Please see website for details


Timetable Trips/Cruises


The


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