Anger as elderly left out in the cold
Elderly nursing home residents in South Staffordshire were left shivering by a bus stop after a council demanded they travel in person to be photographed for a bus pass - only for most of them to be turned away because there was not enough space.
Elderly nursing home residents in South Staffordshire were left shivering by a bus stop after a council demanded they travel in person to be photographed for a bus pass - only for most of them to be turned away because there was not enough space.
More than 30 pensioners from Trysull's Woodford House Nursing Home, many suffering with dementia, were told they had to travel to Ounsdale High School in Wombourne to qualify for passes. Staff pleaded for a council officer to visit them instead.
But the residents, including one man aged 99, and carers were yesterday forced to attempt the journey after Staffordshire County Council refused.
The small village bus only had room for seven of the pensioners and could not accept any wheelchairs, leaving most of them bewildered and cold at the roadside. Julie McDonagh, manager of the care home at The Green, said residents were in desperate need of the bus passes.
Nursing home administrator Gillian Davies said: "I asked if it was possible for me to represent them. But I was told they all had to travel to have their pictures taken." The county council is taking over responsibility for concessionary travel in April, but district councils are organising sessions allowing residents to apply for bus passes. South Staffordshire District
Council spokesman Jamie Angus said: "We offered to take photographs in the home but the county council said no."
County council spokeswoman Gemma Styles said: "From 1st April Staffordshire County Council takes over passes for older people and the disabled and we have extended the benefits to 24/7 travel, as well as implementing a buddy scheme where a helper can travel free of charge.
"Until then individuals who want a new pass continue to apply to their district council at district council office locations. From 1st April people will go to their local library to apply for their pass, and we are looking at setting up internet applications later in the year.
"Residential homes have never had a special sign-up service, however helping residents to access public services can be made easier by homes helping their residents."
