A LODGE Park woman is in dire straits after social services failed to provide her with support following a serious operation on one of her children.

Linda Hammond has twin 14-year-old daughters, both with severe cerebral palsy.

Her daughter Abbie, has just had to undergo surgery to remove her hips and has had her legs fused to her upper body to prevent further damage.

While Abbie recovers from the surgery Linda is unable to lift her single-handedly, which makes it impossible to take her home.

Seven weeks before the operation was scheduled, Linda requested help from social services for her daughter's recovery period, but as yet, she has still not had any practical help offered.

Linda and her other daughter Becky are now having to stay in the hospital in Northfield with Abbie until it can be made practical for them to return home.

Worcestershire Social Services has offered to pay for home assistance if Linda sources it herself, but she is currently in no position to organise anything outside of the hospital.

Linda's mother Evelyn Seaton believes that ordinarily there would be help at hand.

She said: "We always step in and help as a family, but my husband has just been diagnosed with clinical depression.

"We live 25 miles away and I rely on my husband to drive me over, but he isn't able to when he's ill.

"She's got a fantastic mate who helps out, but she's got five kids of her own.

"She really wants some help, even if it's just over the next six weeks."

Chris Parker, Worcestershire County Council's service development manager, said: "We in Children's Services have been providing a wide range of services for Ms Hammond and her two daughters over the years in a bid to ease the stress of dealing with what must be challenging circumstances for the family.

"There is regular and often frequent contact between officers involved in children's social care and Ms Hammond and our staff have responded to needs as they have changed.

"Because of the recent surgery, Ms Hammond's daughter will require additional support at home and we are working closely with Ms Hammond and health colleagues to plan for the discharge of Ms Hammond's daughter from hospital as soon as possible."