A FORMER NHS worker claiming £1.6 million after suffering a broken ankle in a car crash says her husband needs £60,000 for the food he eats while caring for.

Sandra Mehmetemin, 60, had to quit her job as an NHS administrator after suffering the serious injury in a collision with another motorist on the A414 in Maldon in 2009.

The following year, Mustapha Mehmetemin gave up his job to care for her, and has been living off benefits, London’s High Court has heard.

The NHS administrator, who was medically retired from her job in 2011, is now suing motor insurers for £1.6 million for her injury, including compensation for the care her hus- band gives her after “sacrificing” his own working life.

The court heard that includes a £60,000 claim for “extra food eaten by Mr Mehmetemin at home”, when he would be at work but for his caring role.

But barrister, Patrick Blakesey, for Eldon Insurance, said he “cannot sue” in his own right for loss of earnings or the cost of extra meals.

Paul Rose QC, for Mrs Mehmetemin told the court she has endured numerous operations on her broken ankle and suffers “significant ongoing symptoms”.

As well as depending on her mobility scooter, she needs a stairlift in her three-bedroom rented home in Hunt Avenue, Heybridge.

The other motorist’s insurers swiftly admitted full liability for the crash.

But the court heard claims handling firm, Eldon, has “taken umbrage” against the £1.6 million value put on her claim.

The company says Mrs Mehmetemin is asking for £1 million more than she needs.

Mr Blakesey told the judge, Sir Robert Nelson, that she ought not to be paid a penny for some of the things she is claiming for – including her husband’s food.

He was entitled to claim for “gratuitous care” he gave to his wife, but the barrister said: “His food does not count towards that.”

Mr Blakesey acknowledged that Mrs Mehmetemin suffered “an extremely severe injury” for which the other driver was “entirely responsible”. He said: “It is entirely right that she should receive substantial compensation.”

But the barrister said there were even worse injuries of its type, and the judge noted: “There is no risk of amputation in this case, none at all.”

Mr Blakesey said the claim for the care provided by Mr Mehmetemin, who receives carer’s allowance and income support, ought to be slashed.

“An issue between the parties is what, if any, level of compensation should be given for when Mr Mehmetemin is simply on hand, and not providing care. Mr Mehmetemin’s care is limited. It is not the equivalent of a full time job.

Mrs Mehmetemin’s lawyers argued that her husband should be paid pro- fessional carers’ wages back-dated to when he gave up his job.

The judge will give his ruling at a later date