Amputee ‘has to bathe in sink’
Kevin Foley, 72, who lives in a council house on Boye’s Street on Cork’s northside, pleaded last night with the city council to prioritise his case.
“My local health nurse put my name forward for a wheelchair accessible shower last June,” Mr Foley said.
“By September, I still had no news. The residents’ association contacted the relevant departments in City Hall and we were promised work would commence in October.
“This did not happen. I feel let down by the council,” he said.
Mr Foley, a diabetic, injured his left leg last March in a fall.
Infection set in and doctors had to amputate from the knee down.
He needs to bathe his leg daily to avoid infection.
But because of delays installing the shower, Mr Foley said he has to wash his leg in the same sink he uses to wash his dishes.
It has led to repeated infections, which prevent him from wearing a prosthesis.
“I never truly anticipated the enormous changes to my life,” he said.
“The simple tasks I took for granted are an exhausting challenge, from making a cup of tea to washing.”
Residents’ spokeswoman Jackie Connolly pleaded with the council to prioritise Mr Foley’s case.
A council spokesman said he has spoken to Mr Foley within the last 24 hours.
He assured him that someone would be in contact within two weeks to assess his needs.
“We take our duty towards Mr Foley very seriously and we will do whatever we can quickly,” he said.
“We will do whatever we can to deliver the amenity. It will be done sooner rather than later.”
