Scientist loses plea to allow wife’s dementia nurse to stay in UK

One of Britain’s top scientists fears “catastrophic” consequences for his wife after a judge refused to let her nurse stay in the country.

Dr Peter Jost said 91-year-old Margaret, who has dementia, was dependent on her Filipina carer, Florentina Sison, who is threatened with deportation.

Mrs Jost has multiple health problems and needs around-the-clock care because her husband is too incapacitated to look after her.

Immigration judge Andrew Gibb, sitting at the Upper Tribunal, expressed sympathy for Dr Jost, but said he could not overturn a Home Office decision to refuse Ms Sison permission to stay.

Dr Jost, 93, is regarded as the founding father of tribology, the science and engineering of interacting moving surfaces, and holds a CBE.

He warned the judge of an impending tragedy if Ms Sison was deported. “My wife has, over a period of time, become very comfortable with Florentina’s care,” he said.

“She trusts her totally and feels safe in her care. Her approach is highly professional, whilst at the same time very caring, assuring her dignity is maintained at all times. Above all, Florentina has come to understand my wife when she is in pain or wants something. Permanency is essential as my wife could not cope with a new carer. Having to do so could be nothing short of catastrophic.”

The tribunal heard that Ms Sison came to Britain in 2006 and worked at nursing homes in Dorset and London but her leave to work expired in 2013, when she took a job with the Josts, looking after them at their Mill Hill home.

When the Home Office refused her permission to work, she launched an appeal backed by Dr Jost. She claimed the decision violated Mrs Jost’s right to respect for her private life and put her wellbeing and health in jeopardy.

However, Judge Gibb said: “The circumstances of Dr and Mrs Jost, especially Mrs Jost, are worthy of empathy and respect for how they cope with their lives. It is entirely understandable that they should want to retain Ms Sison, who has proved herself as a carer of Mrs Jost in particular.

“The tribunal, however, can only interfere with the decision if it is unlawful. I am unable to say that the decision was irrational or otherwise unlawful.”