Health fears over mouldy flat

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Wednesday, 25th February 2009

Hemel Gazette - Hemel Hempstead,UK

Health fears over mouldy flat

http://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/Health-fears-over-mouldy-

flat.5011711.jp

Published Date: 24 February 2009

Transplant patient Derren Osborn is fearing for his health because

his flat is infested with mould.

Mr Osborn had a kidney and pancreas transplant two years ago and is

worried the mould could attack his weakened immune system.

The 38 year old is now locked in dispute with Dacorum Borough Council

over the safety of his home in Jupiter Drive, Highfield.

" I'm very susceptible to colds and flus and I'm breathing in mould

and damp – I don't want to lose another kidney, " he said.

" You can wash the mould off but two days later it's back. "

To back his case Mr Osborn's GP has written to the council calling

for him to be rehoused.

In the letter Dr Tup Dutta, of Lincoln House Surgery, says: " Derren

has shown me photographs of significant mould infection of his walls

and ceilings in the flat that he occupies and in view of his anti

rejection immunisuppressant therapy and antibiotics I would strongly

recommend rehousing as he is at risk of infection. "

Mr Osborn, who was the manager of a bookmakers until four years ago

when his health deteriorated, has been trying to get rehoused for 18

months.

He and his wife Jackie, his full-time carer, have also suffered

vandalism to their car because of the poor parking near their home.

" Derren is not supposed to walk far, " Mrs Osborn said.

" It's a real worry because he's on so many tablets.

" He was told before his operation that he would be lucky to live for

six months.

" He got through the operation but he's had so many ups and downs with

his health – I know what could happen. "

The Osborns say the council put a fan into their home to dry it but

the mould remains and is now embedded in the furniture.

In a statement the council it was reviewing the letter from Dr Dutta.

" Dacorum Borough Council received further information concerning this

case which was forwarded immediately to our medical advisor together

with all other relevant documents, " the statement said.

" We are following all the proper procedures and it is receiving our

prompt attention.

" We can't comment any further on the private circumstances of this

individual housing case. "