I WONDER if anyone, like myself, has had the misfortune to rely on help from the Social Work Service (occupational therapy), especially if they are a homeowner.

I am 70 years of age, and disabled from progressively severe arthritis in my back, feet, and my knees, which are the worst, for the last 20 years. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have always been physically active, both in work, and physical endeavour.

I started work at 15 at No 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath, and planning to work till I was 70, was forced to retire at 67 due to Harte Construction going down the tubes.

I have been active in martial arts since I was 17, in judo, then jujitsu and then karate, as well as a couple of years at kick-boxing.

I practiced these for 45 years, becoming quite prominent. No doubt all of the above have contributed to my present condition.

Eventually, it was decided in 2014, that I needed knee replacements. Why wait so long, you might ask? I had a family to feed is the answer.

Correspondence began in January with the social work department. Eventually someone was sent along to ‘assess’ my needs. I was duly assessed (I will come to that later) negotiating the interior stairs (13), the toilet, bed, etc, but not the outside steps, front or rear! My requirements were a railing at the front and rear steps, my rear security light fixed, and an extra bannister.

Instead, something called ‘grab rails’ were fitted top and bottom of the stairs, and I was told to use my walking stick. No extra bannister. Regarding railings, I was told one would be fitted at the back door, and my security light would be fixed, and to exit the house via the back door.

I was unhappy with this, as due to safety reasons, of which the police are aware, I do not wish to exit the house via the back door.

I was spoken to as if I was a child, or senile. I asked to see a superior. Someone else duly appeared, and by this time my first operation was imminent. This person did nothing, except repeat over and over ‘you have been assessed’. Once again I asked to see a superior. This did not happen until a couple of weeks ago, and by this time I had had a knee replacement and was struggling.

I met with the team manager and a policeman to see if it was safe to exit the house by the back door. It was decided by the policeman that it was unsafe to exit by the back door. It was decided by the team leader, grudgingly, that I would get one railing at the front, and nothing else, and that I would not get it soon! My operation on my other knee is due in September, the frost and ice will not be far away. What happens if I slip with nothing to hold onto?

So I let go of the sticks, and flap my arms? The hospital issued me with a pair of walking sticks, not a pair of wings!

There are six steps at the front, and one 9” step at the rear. On this rear step I feel like I’m stepping off a cliff! This size of step is not used in house building anymore, being deemed too steep. Steps are now 4 1/2” to 6”, but this is how I bought the house off the Council.

The policeman kindly arranged to have a security chain on my front door, which has been done. He also informed me that I would have to replace the rear security light myself as it was my own house. And there, finally, we have it! If this was a council owned property, I would be surrounded by railings, bannisters, and lights! Although I am quite good at DIY, my security light is quite high, and in my present condition, I cannot use ladders. As far as this is my own house, although I have voted Labour all my life, I did a deal with the devil, and took up Margaret Thatcher’s offer to buy my house, for the princely sum of £7750, which I paid with my mineworker’s pension. Many people took this offer up with the intention of selling, then being re-housed by the council.

I bought this house for a family home. Any ‘improvements’ I did myself with the help of a good friend, and some help from my oldest son.

After my four sons and four daughters left, got married, etc, I am the last, and would like to end my days in relative safety.

I have never asked anyone for anything, although over the years I helped lots of people.

I am disgusted by this form of discrimination.

Finally, to all the knockers of the NHS and Victoria Hospital in particular. Over the years I have had several stays at both hospitals, for various reasons, and I can only say to these people, walk a mile in their shoes, work a 12-hour shift, and still smile.

The staff are fantastic, caring, friendly, work at 100 miles per hour, smiling throughout. My treatments were first class!

BILL BISHOP, Kildownie Crescent, Ballingry.