Amputee put in Essex hotel miles from family and friends

A man whose leg was recently amputated says he feels "hopeless" after being re-housed from hospital far from his family and friends.

Peter Shanks, 64, was discharged last week following the planned operation.

His family said his mobile home in West Hanningfield, Essex, was unsuitable post-operation and he was moved to a hotel about 20 miles (32km) away.

Chelmsford City Council said it was keeping his "situation under constant review".

Mr Shanks said he could not afford the restaurant food and mostly made instant soups or noodles using a kettle.

"I'm on a right downer. I'm trying to do the exercises for my leg but it's hard when you're feeling down," said Mr Shanks, a former minibus driver.

"There's nowhere to go, nothing to do, I'm just sitting in a room."

Mr Shanks went into Basildon hospital on 12 November for the knee amputation after developing a blood clot. An infection led to a further amputation above the knee.

He was discharged on 27 December and the city council said it found the "last-minute" emergency accommodation at Travelodge in Great Dunmow, in north Essex.

"It's hard for [friends and family] to get up here to see me," he added.

His niece Louise Wood said the doors were not wide enough for his wheelchair in his mobile home.

"It's shocking and really sad," she said, adding that his immediate family living in Basildon do not drive.

"If he were to fall, he could be there for hours and hours with no-one attending him. If there was a fire in the hotel, he has no possibility of getting out on his own."

Ms Wood and Mr Shanks both said they raised concerns with the council about the situation, but had not received a response.

His friend Nick Mendrys, who said he had known him for 40 years, was worried about Mr Shank's mental and physical health.

"How he's being treated is just disgusting," said Mr Mendrys.

"I just can't believe it. Peter's paid into the system all his life, and we're getting nothing at all."

Chelmsford City Council leader Stephen Robinson said the case was "very distressing" but claimed the council received "little warning" that Mr Shanks was leaving hospital and could not return home.

"Despite the late notification, the city council's housing officers did find last-minute emergency accommodation in a hotel to prevent him from becoming homeless," said Mr Robinson.

Liberal Democrat Mr Robinson added: "Chronic underfunding by the government, of the NHS and local councils, is leading to far too many people not getting the high-quality public services they deserve."

Dr David Walker, chief medical officer at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basildon hospital, added: "We have worked closely with Mr Shanks and his family to find a safe package of social care, working with our local authority colleagues."

The government said it was investing £600m this year and £1bn in 2025 to support councils and the NHS with "effective discharge".

"While temporary accommodation is an important way of making sure no one is without a roof over their head, councils must ensure it is suitable and families have the right to appeal if it doesn't meet their needs," added the spokesperson.

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