Sir – I am chairman of the New Endeavour Club of Twickenham for the disabled and am writing to you on behalf of all our members regarding the proposed alteration to meals on wheels.
Most of my members have meals on wheels delivered daily and are very concerned about the proposed scheme to issue them with a weekly package of frozen meals.
Many of them have problems with their hands and told me that they would be completely unable to manage to remove dishes from a microwave – particularly heated ones.
Many have eyesight problems and would be unable even to operate the microwave.
This apart from the problem of ensuring that the frozen foods are correctly cooked throughout, as food that is not completely defrosted can lead to food poisoning.
The issuing of freezers and microwave ovens for those who do not already have them, together with a scheme mentioned by Councillor Denise Carr to help those who cannot manage on their own – this meaning that more carers will be needed – and we are looking at spiralling costs in an already overstretched economy.One of my members mentioned the scheme to her GP practice and the doctors there are absolutely against it, pointing out the dangers of disabled and elderly handling frozen foods in microwaves and to them, the vitally important daily contact with the people delivering the meals on wheels.
MRS P RIVERS
Chairman
New Endeavour Club of Twickenham for the disabled
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