MRSA victim still banking on social accomodation

L-orizzont reports the case of Carmen Bouahris, who got infected by the antibiotics-resistant microbe MRSA in February 2007, while recovering from another ailment in hospital.

MRSA, a microbe which may easily infect hospitalised patients due to a weak immune system and open wounds, may cause a variety of infections, from skin infections to those of the respiratory tract.

“Just as I was about to get out of bed in hospital, I felt something pull me to the ground, and fainted shortly after. I’ve got no recollection of what came next,” Bouahris  said.

Since her recovery at hospital in 2007, Bouahris applied for social accommodation. A new home with fewer or no stairs would help ease the difficulties she experiences at home on a daily basis. Although Bouahris alleges she was offered accommodation, it offered very little difference with regards to accessibility to what she already has. Her application is still pending.

In April of this year, Bouahris was diagnosed with cancer, and has been advised by doctors to avoid rigorous movement and handling during the recovery period. “I don’t know what will happen when I return home; I don’t wish to spend the rest of my life in bed,” she said.

MP Stefan Buontempo, who spoke to l-orrizont about this issue, explained how the case of Bouahris is a typical case of a woman living in a state of poverty, at the mercy of a physical disability. “The woman who cannot work due to obvious reasons, cannot afford to pay rent and therefore the social accommodation authority should step in,” Buontempo said.