I wrote in the week before Christmas about a pensioner with dementia who left his care home for 7-1/2 hours and ended up in hospital. An official complaint was made calling for an investigation. See LINK. I understand that Glen Atkins has now moved from Beechwood Court to a residential setting that is better able to meet his needs and safeguard his wellbeing.
I am told he is much happier in his new home, his needs are being met and he is safe.
Menwhile the first stage of the investigation has concluded that provider concerns were identified that warranted further investigations that are currently in progress.
Unfortunately in another case we covered over the holiday, that of John H in an Octavia property in South Kilburn, who was without central heating for 45 days, the outcome is not as satisfactory. His heating has been restored after 17 appointments and 45 days without heating LINK but in the process of 'repair' parts of the system were disconnected meaning he cannot not top up credit for his heating. The engineer put in a temporary £10 credit which in the current cold weather is likely to run out quickly.
John wrote yesterday evening:
Just to update you.
No one from Octavia, Abri and Brent Council have been in touch today.I still do not know if I will lose my heating when the 10 pounds of emergency credit runs out.My wall mounted meter screen remains blank and my Insite Energy credit balance is still frozen at the same amount as it was on Tuesday, when it was disconnected.
There was another case earlier this week when an elderly and vulnerable council tenant got locked out of her home and Brent Council proved less than helpful.
Changes will needed if Brent Council is to realise its ambition to become an 'age-friendly borough'.
John H emailed me just now. I don't know how he keeps so calm! Hi Martin, I finally got through to Insite Energy who told me they were only responsible for billing me and it was down to my heating supplier to repair the meter. They rang my supplier who did not respond, so they then sent them an email to which they never replied and the Insite Energy responder had no idea when they would contact me but it will not be tonight.
ReplyDeleteToday was day 47 and I still have no idea if I will have any heating over the weekend.
Cllr Donnelly-Jackson has also sent me an email saying she will chase up Brent Hubs.
Unfortunately Insite Energy would not speak to the hub officer, saying they would only speak to the customer.