Matthew Sharp has been stuck in Epsom General Hospital in Surrey for almost a year. The disabled 36-year-old has multiple complex conditions, including Tourette’s syndrome, a learning disability, ADHD, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He has been medically fit to leave for most of his time in hospital, but no suitable home has been found for him in the community. Matthew has been caught in a bureaucratic nightmare with his local NHS and council disagreeing over who is responsible for his care. And his parents, who have their own health issues, describe the situation as extremely distressing.
The disputes between NHS, local authorities, and families over who should pay for the most complex care cases are increasing in England. More than 250 people have contacted the BBC with concerns about NHS-funded social care since last year. Matthew’s care was being funded by NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) under a scheme called Continuing Healthcare (CHC). Only people with the highest needs are eligible for this free NHS social care. After being in hospital for two months, he received a letter from the ICB saying it had tried 145 different care homes, and they identified three that could potentially take him. The ICB now says the family declined a number of suitable options before reaching this more formal stage. But Matthew’s parents say that they have not refused any options.
CHC funding was withdrawn on 21 December 2023, and the ICB referred Matthew’s care to Surrey County Council. However, the council did not become involved until May. If his care is not funded by the NHS, then it should be provided by his local authority. But in the following months, neither seems to have taken on the job of finding him somewhere to move to. The council says it began plans for Matthew to be discharged to a permanent home in June. Councils provide means-tested support for people at home, in care homes, or supported living, if they are found to have high care needs rather than health needs. But care staff are increasingly being expected to take on tasks that would have once been done by health professionals.
Nearly three-quarters of English councils with social care responsibilities reported a rise in disputes over whether councils or the NHS should fund a person’s care. And nearly all directors of council care say they have little confidence they will be able to meet their legal duties to support people in the year ahead. Matthew’s parents describe the existing health and care system for people like him as broken. However, Matthew remains optimistic. He wants to become a well-known Tourette’s artist, doing abstract art and installations, and inspiring others. But he needs to be out of the hospital to make that happen
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