Disabled man 'rotting' in hospital for 8 months

Ravi Mehta, a 36-year-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has been hospitalized for eight months since September 2025 due to the termination of his 24-hour home support budget by NHS South East London ICB. Despite being medically fit to return home, Mehta requires two healthcare assistants continuously and believes his care board is pushing for a cheaper or more restrictive care model, suggesting a care home placement.

Mehta feels his life is "rotting away" and has seen his physical and mental health deteriorate during his prolonged hospital stay. He states he is trapped between accepting a care home, which would significantly restrict his life, or facing termination of all care if he self-discharges. This situation mirrors others facing similar hospital "stranding" due to care package disputes, with campaigners and experts suggesting budget scrutiny by care boards.

NHS South East London ICB denies decisions are cost-driven, citing clinical safety and governance. However, legal correspondence seen by the BBC mentioned "cost-effectiveness" as a reason for refusing home care packages. The case is described as "longstanding and complex," with the ICB committed to finding a "viable long-term solution" and supporting a safe discharge. Similar issues are reported with Lucinda Ritchie, who was moved to a nursing home against her will.

Frances Tippett, a former NHS leader, describes this as a "backward slide" in care for disabled individuals, moving away from personalized support. She notes that integrated care boards, under pressure to balance budgets, may scrutinize high-cost care packages, leaving individuals in limbo and taxpayers funding unnecessary hospital stays. NHS England acknowledges that delays can occur and provides appeal processes.