Single mum still being forced to choose between life-saving treatment or care for her kids

A single mum battling a ­potentially fatal infection has been left waiting four months for social workers to provide a placement for her children so she can get ­life-saving hospital treatment.

The Sunday Mail revealed Deborah Wright’s plight last month, after she said she was being forced to choose between receiving urgent medical care and looking after her two young sons.

The 49-year-old, from Carronshore, Stirlingshire, was diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis – an infection in her stomach that requires urgent hospital treatment.

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But the devoted mum has repeatedly been forced to leave hospital because she has no family support or childcare available for her sons Conley, 12, and Eldon, eight, who both have additional support needs.

Despite repeated pleas for help, Deborah says Falkirk Council’s social services are still failing to provide a suitable emergency placement.

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Weeks later, she says she is still being left to delay vital treatment while trying to care for her boys.

Deborah, who lost her former partner three years ago, said: “I am absolutely terrified. I’m scared I am going to die. I’m terrified my children are going to be left without a mother.After I spoke out in the Sunday Mail, things started to move, but I am still waiting on a plan.

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“The last I heard, social workers needed a plan. I’ve had blood works done but that’s it. I need my children to be looked after but I desperately need treatment. I’ve tried everyone I can.”

Tory MSP for Central Scotland, Meghan Gallacher said: “Ministers must stop the warm words and properly fund Scotland’s councils so they can deliver the lifeline services families rely on.”

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Falkirk Health and Social Care ­Partnership said: “We remain in contact with the family in this case and are working to agree arrangements when a date for inpatient care is set.”