A Ballingry mum is calling on Fife Council to change the way it supports youngsters with Type 1 diabetes amid fears young lives are in danger.
Vicky Masterton has been compelled to transfer both her children from their original schools as she feared for their safety.
Now she wants Fife Council to ensure staff are properly trained to support youngsters with the life-threatening condition and that personal care plans are followed.
“I’m asking for the local authority to protect my children, as they have a duty of care, and to work with me, not against me,” she said.
“I feel as though I’m asking for the world, banging my head against a brick wall, but my kids are my world and it’s my role as a mother to protect them from harm.
“If the tables were turned and it was their children who had a potentially life threatening illness and their care needs weren’t being met, how would they feel?”
The family have been rocked not once but twice with diagnoses of Type 1 diabetes.
Vicky and partner Ross Gray’s youngest, Jordyn, 7, was diagnosed in 2014.
He was moved from Benarty to Lochgelly West primary, something she says “has been worth it” for improved care.
The family were shocked again earlier this year when it was confirmed their eldest, Morgan, now 13, also has Type 1.
Vicky has now made a formal complaint about what she alleges is the negligence of members of Lochgelly High School staff.
Morgan was diagnosed in April, and a care plan was put in place which was being followed. But things were different when the teenager returned after the summer holidays.
Vicky says it came to light that Morgan was left solely responsible for the management of the condition. She was horrified when she discovered Morgan’s blood glucose levels weren’t being checked as per her care plan.
And her daughter was taking quick-acting insulin at lunchtimes.
“This could have potentially led to an overdose or underdose of insulin, leaving her in a critical state or worse, dead,” said Vicky.
During this time, Morgan’s parents were also being called about her behaviour – but Vicky said if the care plan was being adhered to, staff coming into contact with Morgan would have been aware she needed a test to ensure she wasn’t suffering from hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, which can both impact on mood and behaviour.
Vicky says she has been left “bitterly upset” at what she called the unprofessional response of some senior teachers to her concerns. She claimed she had been told to leave the premises during a meeting to discuss the situation.
She added: “I’m very passionate about making changes in Fife schools and the wider community for not only my children but for all the others who battle daily with Type 1 diabetes.”
Fife Council head of education Shelagh McLean said: “The health and wellbeing of our pupils is a top priority for us.
“We are aware of the concerns raised and we’ll continue to work with Ms Masterson (sic) to resolve these.”
