Parents’ Joy At ‘Overnight Care Victory’

A family are celebrating after winning their fight to get their disabled son’s overnight care reinstated. Glasgow MSP Paul Martin pushed for talks with health and social work bosses after the Evening Times highlighted the plight of Marie and Thomas Adams from the city’s East End.

They were left desperate and exhausted after night-time help for Kyle, 11, who suffers from sleep apnoea – which means he could stop breathing at any time – was cut from seven nights to five and then to three. Now the family, from Dennistoun, have been told they can again have a carer seven nights a week, meaning dad Thomas can get the sleep he needs to enjoy days with Kyle.

Marie, who uses a wheelchair, said: “It’s like a weight has been lifted. They are putting seven days care in so Thomas will be able to get a sleep every night. I think they felt bad at what we have gone through during the last 12 weeks. They looked a bit sheepish and I think they knew they had made a mistake. We will be able to get on with our lives rather than being permanently tired.”

Kyle, who also has cerebral palsy, frequently receives treatment at the city’s Yorkhill Hospital and needs round-the-clock care at home. Marie suffers from seizures and had two slipped discs in her spine recently after lifting Kyle, who, despite not being able to walk or talk, keeps on smiling.

The mum can’t be left alone to care for him so Thomas has to stay up all night in case his son stops breathing. He was left unable to enjoy any time with his son, who may not live far into his teenage years. Health and social work bosses granted the family help every night after Mr Martin arranged a meeting at the couple’s house.

Thomas said: “I am delighted at the outcome they have all seen sense. We used Kyle as our secret weapon and he was smiling at them all.” The family are planning a belated birthday party for Kyle, who in April spent his birthday in hospital. They also thanked Evening Times readers who came forward with offers of help after first reading of their dilemma last month.

Mr Martin, MSP for Springburn, said: “It was important I brought the parties involved together to talk about the welfare of Kyle and the pressure being put on his parents. I am glad everything has come together.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We are working with the family to ensure the appropriate level of support is available. This involves re-establishing a seven day week service, which will be reviewed as appropriate.”