Relatives of an 82-year-old woman who requires constant nursing today spoke of their anger after being told she is no longer entitled to hundreds of pounds of NHS-funded care.

The family of Beryl Knafel, of Sutton Farm, Shrewsbury, said it was a “total fiasco” and an “absolute joke” that she was not going to receive the financial support.

Mrs Knafel suffered two strokes at the start of the year and is in a nursing home.

She is doubly incontinent, has vascular dementia, and cannot move without the aid of a hoist.

But, having reviewed her case, Shropshire County Primary Care Trust now says that in its opinion she does not have a primary need for what is known as “continuing health care” and only qualifies for personal and social support.

Mrs Knafel’s family say her care costs are about £780 a week, to which the trust will contribute £106. They plan to appeal and will speak to MP Daniel Kawczynski.

Daughter Susan Evans-Jones said: “She can’t do a thing for herself. If she doesn’t deserve full funding, then I don’t know who does. It’s a total fiasco, an absolute joke. We feel so very angry over what’s happening.”

Another daughter, Kim Cliff, said: “It’s appalling the stress that families have to go through. I just don’t know how the trust can justify its decision.”

Chris Morris, from the PCT, said: “Continuing health care is a complex and sensitive area which can affect individuals at a very vulnerable stage in their lives, and Shropshire County PCT works with patients and their families to provide the support and help where it is appropriate to do so.

“Once an initial assessment has been made for continuing health care, eligible care will be funded by the NHS. This is subject to rev-iew at three months, then every year or sooner if needs change.

“If care needs change, the funding arrangements may also change. Continuing health care funding is not awarded indefinitely.”

Mrs Morris added: “Shropshire County PCT provides an appeals process for anyone who has been previously provided with continuing health care funding, but after a review may have had funding reduced or stopped. Funding continues to patients whilst the app-eals process is taking place.”

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris