GERMAN LADY SENT HOME TO DIE

News

Staff Reporter / 2010-01-29 15:13:01

Wilfred Lebendig, the patient’s husband

A 73 year old German lady who has lived in Torrevieja for the past 13 years has been refused the dialysis treatment which is keeping her alive.

Doctors literally sent her home to die. Her husband Wilfred Lebendig, and family are taking the matter to court, but given the fact that doctors calculated she would survive for 3 days without the treatment, the matter needs an urgent solution. Elizabeth was taken off dialysis on Monday 18th January.

Apparently all the doctors on duty agreed this was the best option, as the old lady suffers from a series of medical complaints. They told Wilfred to just wet her lips with water on a cotton wool ball should she feel thirsty.

Poor Wilfred began to imagine what his life would be like as a widower. The couple had come to Torrevieja for the sunny days and milder winters, as thousands of other retirees from Northern Europe do.

Spain knew they were attracting thousands of pensioners when they built these massive urbanisations with sea views and sun filled patios. They must have known that if huge numbers of older people come to live in a place, then they will need to use medical facilities, and as well as houses, hospitals and clinics will have to be built.

The sad thing is that the medical facilities cannot now afford to treat all the elderly patients resident on Spanish shores, and Elizabeth is one of the unfortunate many who have been turned away, basically because the Spanish Health Service are trying to cut costs.

However, at the time of going to press, Elizabeth was still alive. She hasn’t eaten anything for two weeks, and her resilience is beating the odds. Wilfred says she is conscious and lucid, although malnourished.

Tags: German, Torrevieja, Healthcare, Medical

Comments

TeeHee 02-02-2010 / 07:02

I agree with BIBA. I am not yet a pensioner but don`t UK pensioners receive Spanish treatment because the UK pays for it?

BIBA 31-01-2010 / 22:53

Although I sympathize with with all the comments, I also can understand the present situation. The German couple have lived in Spain some 13 years ago, which makes the couple retired pensioners. It is up to the German Authorities to guarantee their medical care. Retired pensioners who come to live in a foreign country should make sure that their pension and medical care is taken care of BEFORE they come here. Spain is only responsible for the individuals who have contributed to their welfare system. To be eligible, one must be paying full contirbution for a minimum of 8 years. That is the same with a British citizen who have worked abroad for many years, and return to the UK to retire, he will not be eligible to a British State Pension.

I suggest that the German couple contact their own government for an immediate solution to this sad event.

Good Luck..

B 31-01-2010 / 14:47

I understood that there were not enough dialysis machines in the U.K. for everyone that needed to use one, and that doctors had to refuse treatment to some. Not a satisfactory situation, but let's not pretend the problem only exists here in Spain!

jim brown 29-01-2010 / 23:03

i thought that the european parliment outlawed age discrimination, i would speak to her german euro mp. and the spanish one as well,life is something to be cherished, i am sure the hospital should be challenged over this disgraceful act , my sypathy is with the ladys husband, we all feel for you and you are not alone in this.......

Denice Carter 29-01-2010 / 15:32

This is an absolute disgrace. My prayers are with this poor man and his wife. What he must be enduring is beyond comprehension. Where is Mr Zapatero and his beliefs in human rights. This country should be ashamed of themselves. Everyone has a right whatever age. I am appalled. God be with you.

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