Newport man could lose specialist brain treatment

10:10am Wednesday 18th November 2009

By Andy Rutherford - Health correspondent

A NEWPORT man who suffered life-threatening head injuries in an unprovoked gang attack seven years ago, fears an ongoing fight to regain his health could be lost because of a lack of specialist expertise.

Darren Geary was so ill after being hit with a socket wrench during the attack in Southampton, wife Denise was told to expect the worst.

He survived, but had to learn again basics like reading, writing and washing, and still suffers post traumatic stress disorder and problems associated with brain injury.

He has recently been recommended to see a neuro-psychologist, an expert in how structure and function of the brain relates to psychological processes and behaviour - but a Gwent specialist has recently retired and with a national shortage of neuro-psychologists, Mr Geary fears he may have to wait months to see someone, or be unable to get the help he needs.

"I'm waiting to hear if I can see anyone in Cardiff, but if that isn't possible, I'm stuck. It's ridiculous," said Jersey-born Mr Geary, 40, of Pill, Newport.

Only earlier this year was he diagnosed as suffering episodic dyscontrol and depression.

This is being controlled by medication, but he still suffers short term memory problems.

"I've left the gas on, unlit, on the cooker all night recently, and have been polishing shoes, put the polish container on the hob and lit it. It was only when I saw the flames I came round," he said.

"I used to work in social services in Southampton but had to give that up. I can't work and my wife, who is disabled, keeps an eye on me.

"My active life ended with that injury. Now I have an existence. But any progress I'm making will be lost if I can't get to see a neuro-psychologist.

"In some ways I'm not too worried for myself. I was only in my 30s when this happened, but had a pretty full life before that, travelled to Kenya and Sri Lanka, did some work there for Unicef.

"But what happens to children and younger people who need this sort of treatment, for instance if they've got brain problems after an accident? Is there nothing for them?"

A spokesman for Aneurin Bevan Health Board said there are psychologists with an interest in neuro-psychology in the area, but added: "Nationally there are very few specialist neuro-psychologists available, and at this time the board does not have plans to recruit."