My Alex deserves better treatment

Kate McLean (45) of Primrose Place in Condorrat is the full-time carer for husband Alex, also 45.

The former postman suffered complications from a fractured skull after a fall in September 2008. Kate has watched her once fit marathon runner of a husband suffer from seizures and extreme mood swings but the couple believe that a Glasgow-based rehabilitation programme can relieve his suffering - and both Alex's doctor and neurosurgeon are in agreement.

The scheme – the Momentum project – has helped many brain-injured patients with strategies geared to getting their lives back on track and staff say they would be happy to cater for Alex.

But it has since emerged that North Lanarkshire Council will not meet the cost of his treatment, which is thought to be as little as 200 a week, because the scheme is outwith council boundaries.

The council is willing to pay for a full-time 'locality worker' for Alex but Kate does not believe this could provide the tools Alex needs to get his life back.

Mum-of-two Kate said: "This is all about money and politics. All we have had is broken promises. They tell you that you have choices with treatment but there is no choice in Alex's case.

"I'm talking to the News because I have hit a brick wall. I don't know where else to turn.

"I don't know if he will ever go back to the way he was - but we both believe that Momentum could help him. It is the only option he has been enthusiastic about."

Ironically the couple only came into contact with the scheme after Alex had to be assessed via the Pathways to Work initiative which tested his suitability for a return to the workplace.

The couple were inspired by the approach of staff and Kate believes that alternative suggestions from social work, however well-intentioned, showed a lack of understanding.

"For example they wanted Alex to join Watch Us Grow,'' said Kate, in a reference to the groundbreaking gardening project based at Palacerigg Country Park which helps adults with a learning disability or mental health problem.

"Alex doesn't fit into those categories. He has a brain injury and although I respect what the project does, that is not the right environment for him.

"It was suggested that perhaps Alex could have some sort of supervisory role there so that the people could 'look up to him' but he is just not well enough to do this."

Now Kate has enlisted the help of Central Scotland List MSP Jamie Hepburn, who told the News: "I've been making representations on their behalf, and I know that the Momentum charity are keen to ensure Mr McLean can access their services – but the council has a role to play.

"It's clear that this struggle has made life even more difficult for Mr and Mrs McLean, and I hope that NLC find a way to make sure my constituents have access to the support they need and deserve."

The News contacted North Lanarkshire Council for comment but we were told that a detailed response could not be given for reasons relating to Data Protection legislation.

A spokesman said: "Our local social work team has been in discussion with Mrs McLean for some time and has offered what we believe is an appropriate support."