A Highland woman heavily dependent on home care support spoke of her anguish last night at the prospect of possible industrial action.
Debbie Michie, a 64-year-old diabetic, spent almost a year in hospital in Grantown in 2014 because there were too few carers available at that time to look after her at home in Nethy Bridge.
The health board admitted that recruitment to the adult care sector had been a problem.
Mrs Michie has had both legs amputated. Her 66-year-old husband Iain, who had a quadruple bypass, is not always available to help her because of his painting and decorating job.
“This is pretty scary,” she said, “because I’m in a wheelchair.
“I can’t move without my carers and I’d hate it to happen but I can understand why they would take industrial action – they’re being walked all over.
“I couldn’t cope. I’d be stuck in bed. But I can understand why they want to do it.
“I don’t think the contracts are particularly good for anyone with the NHS. My own carers are discreet but I’ve heard on the grapevine that things are changing.
“Their hours are changing and their petrol allowance is going to be cut drastically. That is horrendous.”
Disabled Highland woman says she ‘couldn’t cope’ amid fears of carers strike
