Home / Health / NHS Slashes Care Hours for Critically Ill Girl
NHS Slashes Care Hours for Critically Ill Girl
30 Apr
Summary
- Young girl's NHS care hours reduced by more than half.
- Parents fear daughter's health decline and hospital readmission.
- NHS board states care package changes followed a thorough review.
A family in Birmingham is distressed following a significant reduction in their daughter Maham's NHS-funded care. Maham, a 13-year-old with merosin muscular dystrophy, requires continuous support at home due to her complex medical needs. Her care hours were recently reduced from 154 per week to 72 during term-time and 76 during holidays.
Her parents, Nomia and Usman, expressed anger and fear, highlighting the physical and emotional toll the cuts have taken. Maham, who is completely dependent, relies on these carers for her medical needs, including suctioning secretions and ventilation. The family worries about her safety and the sustainability of their situation.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board (ICB) stated that care package changes are made cautiously after thorough reviews. They confirmed that Maham remains eligible for Children and Young People's Continuing Care and that the updated package is safe and proportionate to her current needs.
