"The Bromley Neurological Rehabilitation Community Team/ Social Services"

My husband suffers from Huntington's Disease and has got to the stage where he needed help with his speech, diet, walking and dexterity. I also need a carer's assessment.

His referral for each of these was made by our GP and was picked up by a member of the neurological rehabilitation team as someone who would benefit from a programme of intense treatment over a six week period provided by this community team.

From the start, they have been absolutely wonderful. Jenny the Occupational Therapist, Jeanette the Physio and Sarah the Speech Therapist have been so kind, caring and patient with both of us. My husband responded well to the lovely ladies and I saw a difference in his well being as they gave him confidence to attempt to do things and get out more with the aid of a beast of a walking stick.

They went out of their way to help us both and find information for us. I cannot rate them highly enough and wish to say a huge "Thank you" to them. Bromley Health Care should be very proud to have these ladies on this team.

Sadly the Social Services aspect, which is part of the same team, has not worked at all. Having spoken to the Social Worker allocated to the Neuro team and requested a Carer's Assessment at home, an appointment was made but the person did not turn up. A further one was made but the person was not available on the day of the appointment,They then phoned to say they would do the assessment over the phone which was not what was needed, nor what had been requested and agreed, as my husband needs to be seen to see the impact his illness is having on me, his carer. Ticking boxes simply does not work, as on paper he looks as if he needs no care! Social services made some suggestions which were all inappropriate, as they would have known had they visited us as requested. We were told there were other patients whose needs were more than ours, and this was why no one visited us. How they could say that, not even having seen the situation, I am not sure.

I had previously contacted Social services in April, when I was in crisis, and requested a carer's assessment but was told to fill in the form which was no help at all as I was too distressed to do anything. This was before the referral to the Neuro team.I am still waiting for the Social Services side of the Neuro team to contact me.