William Eichler 20 March 2025

Council inaction left disabled woman scared she would die

Council inaction left disabled woman scared she would die image
Image: William Barton / Shutterstock.com.

A disabled Islington woman said she was scared she had been left ‘to die’ after the council took too long to decide what support she should receive, according to an investigation.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the council had been contacted repeatedly by healthcare professionals warning that the woman’s needs were urgent.

However, the London authority took nine months to visit her for an assessment and still had not put a care package in place by the time she first complained to the Ombudsman four months after this visit.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, Ms Amerdeep Somal, said it was ‘incomprehensible’ why the woman was left for so long without support from the council.

Cllr Flora Williamson, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care, apologised for the ‘avoidable distress and frustration suffered’ and said the council had already implemented all of the Ombudsman’s recommendations.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Interim Head of Waste Management

Essex County Council
Up to £650.0000 per day + Umbrella
Interim Head of Waste ManagementTemporary, Full TimePay Rate
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£44,355 - £53,120 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Occupational Therapist

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£35,676 - £42,811 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Personal Advisor

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,766- £47,830 per annum
Personal Advisor£37,766- £47,830 ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Social Worker (Hospital Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£45,831 - £50,414 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility.
We have exciting opportunities for Senior Social Workers to join the Hospital Discharge Team! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner