Fight for soldier son 'lost in NHS' 22.08.12
23The mother of a wounded soldier medically discharged from the Army earlier this year says she feels her son is getting lost in the NHS system.
Stephen Vause suffered a serious brain injury in a mortar attack in Iraq in 2007 leaving him wheelchair bound and unable to speak.
The 25 year-old still needs 24 hour care -- his mother claims it's a constant battle to get what he needs.
Stephen still wears his uniform with pride. He was a member of 4th Battalion The Rifles - in 2007 they saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Iraq campaign.
A mortar attack in Basra blew his world apart -- his injuries were so severe he wasn't expected to survive - but he did - and for him the battle of recovery goes on.
His mother Jessica Cheesman is a tower of strength and has made it her mission to ensure her son gets the best care available but she's found it tough.
She said: "At first it was brilliant but as time has gone on -- quality of the care has deteriorated and opportunity to access medicines, botox -- all becomes a bit of an issue. It seems just as much of a battle now to maintain the quality of care and for Stephen to make progress as it was when he first arrived back in the UK."
Stephen is determined to be more independent. He intends to learn to walk and he is waiting for botox to improve his use he has of his left hand.
For more information visit - www.bfbs.com/news/uk/fight-soldier-son-lost-nhs-59929.html