Disabled woman left to have cold showers after carbon monoxide leak in Houghton Regis home
A disabled woman says she was forced to have cold showers for weeks after her gas was turned off following a carbon monoxide leak.
The woman, who wishes to be anonymous, had been taken to hospital on June 13 with a suspected allergic reaction.
After being taken back home the next day, she was admitted to Luton and Dunstable Hospital again with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including dizziness and shortness of breath.
But when she returned home on July 4, she had no hot water as the gas was shut off.
A spokesman for Cadent said its team took the “necessary action to ensure the gas supply was safe”.
The woman in her 60s said: “It’s lucky I didn’t die. I’m still alive, but now I can’t have a shower.”
She had criticised both British Gas and Cadent for not helping her to fix the problem and turn on the gas.
She explained: “I’m just going round in circles. I’ve got 24-hour oxygen, nebulisers, steroids, and I just want to get well again.
“I just want them to turn on the gas so I can have a nice warm shower. Not too much to ask.”
The Cadent spokesman added: "A separate visit was arranged to see if there was any further assistance that could be provided, but due to issues with the boiler, we were unable to help further. We advised the resident to have their appliances checked by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
“This incident acts as a timely reminder to call the national gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*, day or night, if you suspect carbon monoxide or smell gas.”
While British Gas claimed they were not responsible for the gas appliances, an engineer did carry out the work for free, and reconnected her gas.
Alex Mayer, MP for Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable, added: "Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that is difficult to detect because it is colourless and odourless.
"If any constituent faces a possible carbon monoxide emergency, they should contact the National Gas Emergency Service by calling 0800 111 999, which is available 24 hours a day.
“British Gas also offers a Priority Services Register to provide extra support for vulnerable customers, including those with health conditions and disabilities."