Disabled mum trapped in home for 10 years after refusal left her unable to leave

20 September 2023 , 11:22

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Dawn Steel has been confined to a wheelchair since 2013 (Image: BPM MEDIA)

A disabled mother says she has been "trapped in her own home for a decade" says she has been told ambulance services will no longer transport her to and from hospital appointments.

Cancer survivor Dawn Steel, 60, has been confined to a wheelchair since undergoing a knee replacement in 2013 and says she has been trapped in her Solihull home since she had the operation shortly after moving in. She previously fought an unsuccessful legal battle to improve access in and out of her flat which has left her unable to leave the home without help. Now the mum of two says she has been told she has to take taxis to hospital appointments as she "does not qualify" for the ambulance transfers she previously relied.

Dawn has been told she does not qualify for the patient transfers (BPM MEDIA)

West Midlands Ambulance Service says the patient transport services are reserved only for the most "serious and complex cases". Dawn now fears she will now miss crucial appointments - including those monitoring her cancer - as she cannot get to the hospital due to her range of disabilities.

She told BirminghamLive: "It's not good enough the way they are treating me. I'm in a wheelchair and I'm vulnerable. It's not on. What about my dignity? It's affecting my mental health. I'm not sleeping and I keep crying. I just want it sorted. I need the ambulance as I do not feel safe. I need help getting to appointments."

She added she fears she could "fall out of a taxi" thanks to a previous trip when a cab driver failed to help her properly in and out of his vehicle.

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Responding to her concerns, a spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance said: "Following a review of the eligibility criteria for patient transport services in June, which is set by the Integrated Care Board, it became apparent Mrs Steel, unfortunately, did not meet the criteria. Whilst we understand that is disappointing, we must ensure the PTS service is available for the most serious and complex cases which do meet the eligibility criteria."

“We encourage patients who do not meet the criteria, but still require assistance, to enquire about accessing the Healthcare Travel Cost Scheme which can help fund transport such as taxis.”

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Josh Sandiford