A disabled man said he has been in ‘prison’ at a busy general hospital for nearly 10 months because there is no suitable care home for him in the community
Matthew Sharp, 36, has been medically fit to leave Epsom General Hospital in Surrey for most of that time but his complex needs mean he is still looking for a home.
He has Tourette’s syndrome, which causes tics or involuntary spasms. In 2010 he suffered a particularly violent backwards neck tic which damaged his spine, causing him to now live in a wheelchair and use a deep-brain stimulator.
Mr Sharp also has a learning disability, ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
During his 290 days in hospital his local NHS trust and council have been trying to decide who is responsible for his care.
Matthew Sharp, 36 (pictured in 2016), has been medically fit to leave Epsom General Hospital in Surrey for most of that time but his complex needs mean he is still looking for a home
In 2010 he suffered a particularly violent backwards neck tic which damaged his spine, causing him to now live in a wheelchair and use a deep-brain stimulator. Pictured with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker
Mr Sharp (pictured in 2016) told the BBC: ‘I’m just stuck in a prison basically. Life is very difficult, life is sad, and I’ve got a lot of anger’
The estimated cost of a standard NHS hospital bed in 2020/21 was nearly £2,500 a week.
He initially entered the hospital on October 6 last year with a urinary tract infection.
He was in supported housing before he went, but that placement had broken down so he was not able to return.
Mr Sharp told the BBC: ‘I’m just stuck in a prison basically. Life is very difficult, life is sad, and I’ve got a lot of anger.’
His family said the situation has caused his health to deteriorate further as the stress has caused his tics to become ‘more chaotic’.
After nearly two months in hospital, NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) wrote him a letter which stated it had tried 145 different homes but only identified three which could potentially take him.
The ICB said the family declined a number of suitable options.
Mr Sharp’s parents strongly dispute this, and said one of the three homes listed was ideal but in the end no place was offered.
Mr Sharp initially entered Epsom General Hospital on October 6 last year with a urinary tract infection
After nearly two months in Epsom General Hospital, NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) wrote him a letter which stated it had tried 145 different homes but only identified three which could potentially take him
When the ICB wrote to Mr Sharp again on December 4, 2023, he was told there was just one home where he might be able to live.
The family said the home was ‘totally unsuitable’ for someone as vulnerable as him as there was drug dealing happening openly on the street outside.
The ICB letter said it believed the placement met ‘his assessed needs’, and following his refusal would mean ‘you decline CHC funding and make your own private arrangements’.
The ICB withdrew funding on 21 December and made a referral to Surrey County Council for it to provide his care.
The council said it was made aware of his case in December but did not become involved until May.
Mr Sharp’s disabilities – and being on benefits – mean that if his care is not funded by the NHS, then it should be provided by his local authority.
However despite his struggle to find care, Mr Clark remains optimistic. He wants to become a well-known Tourette’s artist – doing abstract art and installations, and inspiring others
Mr Sharp often shares his art on social media
But in the following months, neither public body seemed to have taken on the job of finding him somewhere to move to.
It is a complex case and no clear answer has been provided as to why this happened.
However despite his struggle to find care, Mr Clark remains optimistic. He wants to become a well-known Tourette’s artist – doing abstract art and installations, and inspiring others. Mr Sharp often shares his art on social media.
He told the BBC he will ‘actually gain my future’ if he gets out of hospital.
In 2016 the Crystal Palace fan featured on a video produced by the club as he was a player in its Powerchair football team.
Mr Sharp had been to watch the the team as a youngster as he was ‘totally accepted’ his mother said because ‘people shout at football matches anyway’.
The football fan also has pictures on his social media of himself with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and manager Antonio Conte.
Claire Stone, NHS Surrey Heartland’s chief nursing officer said while it cannot comment on individual cases, it works closely with those involved to provide support and advice and ensure a smooth transition to any new arrangements.
She also said ‘anyone who chooses to decline CHC care’ can reapply at any time.
Surrey County Council said it began plans for Mr Sharp to be discharged to a permanent home in June, adding that ‘at the heart of this complex case is an individual and it’s important that Matthew’s needs are put before anything else’.