Disabled woman hits out at council

A disabled woman from Bonnyrigg, who lost a leg following a toe infection, is urging Midlothian Council to upgrade her home to suit her needs.
Valerie has to use a chemical toilet at her home.Valerie has to use a chemical toilet at her home.
Valerie has to use a chemical toilet at her home.

Despite support from local MSP Colin Beattie and Council leader Derek Milligan, Valerie Osey (54) remains confined to her downstairs sitting room and forced to wash in the kitchen sink. The local authority has repeatedly rejected her calls to fit a ramp, stairlift and wet room at her Dalhousie Place home, where she has lived for 30 years.

Valerie was taken to hospital last December with an infection in her toe. Due to ongoing diabetes issues she eventually lost her right leg.

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She said: “I came out of hospital in May. Since then I have been living in the sitting room downstairs with a chemical toilet. I also can’t get up the stairs to have a shower. I have to wash myself at the sink.

Valerie and Alex OseyValerie and Alex Osey
Valerie and Alex Osey

“Four times I have applied to the council for my home to be made disabled-friendly, but they have refused.

“They just say it’s not cost effective – making the adaptations to the house for me to then leave when I’m older.

“The council wants me to move to a ground floor flat. It looks like we are going to have to because I can’t live how I’m living at the moment. I’m disgusted at the way they have treated me. It’s just not fair.

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“I feel they are going to make me move. How many times can you keep appealing? It’s driving me crazy and making me ill.”

Valerie, pictured with husband Alex,  has to wash in her kitchen sink in a special chair that is higher than her wheelchair to reach the sink. Photo by Scott LoudenValerie, pictured with husband Alex,  has to wash in her kitchen sink in a special chair that is higher than her wheelchair to reach the sink. Photo by Scott Louden
Valerie, pictured with husband Alex, has to wash in her kitchen sink in a special chair that is higher than her wheelchair to reach the sink. Photo by Scott Louden

Valerie, who lives in the two-storey house with her husband Alex, added: “When I go to hospital I have to get an ambulance as they need two people to come in and pick me up.

“A couple of weeks ago I fell out my bed and hurt my hip. Luckily it wasn’t broken. We waited from 3.45pm to