Afghan war’s most injured veteran Ben Parkinson suing the MoD and NHS for ‘failing in his care’
The brave paratrooper, 33, who lost both his legs and suffered brain damage, says his personal healthcare budget has not increased for nine years
THE most seriously wounded soldier to survive the Afghan warzone is taking legal action against the MoD and NHS, claiming they are failing in his care.
Paratrooper Ben Parkinson, 33, needs to be looked after round the clock since losing his legs and suffering brain damage in a 2006 blast in Helmand.
The Lance Bombardier, from Doncaster, said: “I’ve been lucky to have amazing support from my family but I need specialist help too. It feels the organisations responsible aren’t taking me seriously.
“We keep being promised things but they don’t happen. I’m concerned about other members of the Armed Forces too.”
He has asked lawyers to act against NHS England, the Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group and the MoD. His family say a review was conducted last year which resulted in the promise of a new care package — but those plans have now been dropped.
Mum Diane Dernie said: “Sadly we’ve faced issues and it has been difficult to identify who is responsible for what parts of Ben’s care. Time and again we have asked for urgent issues to be addressed.”
Ben was originally awarded just £152,000 in compensation but after a campaign that was raised to £570,000 in 2011.
However, his legal team say health chiefs are providing funding below the minimum rate for Ben’s carers, while his personal healthcare budget has not increased for nine years.
Ben, a charity fundraiser given the MBE and honoured at The Sun’s annual Military Awards, is awaiting a new wheelchair.
He and Diane recently instructed Irwin Mitchell’s Public Law and Human Rights team, who could seek a judicial review.
The MoD insist a new care package is being developed. NHS England said Ben gets a “comprehensive package of care” which will be reassessed when needed.