Disabled man ‘rotting’ on a hospital ward – despite being fit to go home

Disabled man ‘rotting’ on a hospital ward – despite being fit to go home

Disabled man rotting on a hospital – Ravi Mehta, a 36-year-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, claims he has been trapped in a hospital ward for eight months without the essential home care he requires. Originally admitted in September 2025 for a routine appointment to adjust his ventilator settings, he was expected to return to his family home within three days. However, the situation has escalated, leaving him in a state of prolonged uncertainty. Mehta argues that his medical condition is stable enough for discharge, yet he remains in the hospital, unable to regain the support he once had.

The Impact of Terminated Support

Mehta, who relies on two healthcare assistants for 24-hour care, says his life has deteriorated since the local NHS integrated care board (ICB) cut his funding. The termination of his personal health budget—designed to empower individuals with control over their care—has left him stranded. He describes the experience as a slow erosion of his autonomy, with each day in the hospital feeling like a loss of time and dignity.

“Every unnecessary day on the ward feels like precious time fading away,” Mehta said. “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. There are moments when I genuinely fear I’ll never leave.”

The ICB, which oversees local health services, terminated his budget, forcing him to depend on hospital resources. Mehta’s condition, a life-limiting disorder, has worsened during his stay, making him weaker and more reliant on his ventilator. He also reports difficulty using his wheelchair, a challenge that was lessened when he had consistent support at home. The psychological toll has been equally severe, with isolation, anxiety, and depression now part of his daily struggle.

Medical Fitness and Budget Cuts

According to Mehta, he was consistently told he is medically fit to return home. His condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, requires intensive assistance, but he believes the NHS is now prioritizing cost efficiency over his needs. The ICB’s decision to end his funding has left him in a vulnerable position, with the threat of being charged for hospital stays if he chooses to leave. The BBC has reviewed letters suggesting that if he refuses a care home placement, his care will be terminated entirely.

“I feel like they see me as the person that needs too much care and support—more than they want to give,” Mehta said.

His case highlights a broader issue: the shift from personalized care to more restrictive models. Before his hospital stay, Mehta worked part-time for a charity supporting others with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He also enjoyed social activities, such as attending football matches and spending time with friends. Now, he says he feels as though his life has been put on hold, with no clear path to recovery or independence.

The Personal Health Budget

The personal health budget (PHB) was intended to give patients greater control over their care. Mehta had one such budget, which allowed him to fund the staff needed to manage his condition at home. However, the ICB decided to terminate it, citing budget constraints. This move has sparked frustration, as he was informed from the start that his medical fitness would support discharge. The ICB, responsible for planning and funding health services, now faces accusations of sidelining patient needs for financial reasons.

Mehta says the ICB wants him to accept a less flexible care model, such as agency care or a care home, which he believes restricts his ability to live independently. He says the pressure to move to a care home is part of a broader trend, with care boards increasingly scrutinizing complex packages to save costs. This shift, he argues, forces patients like him into more rigid systems, reducing their quality of life.

Pressure to Transition to a Care Home

The NHS South East London ICB has not responded directly to Mehta’s allegations, but the BBC has seen letters from their legal team stating that cost-effectiveness was a key factor in their decision. Mehta is now being urged to transition to a care home, a move he says would strip him of his independence and make his life more difficult. He emphasizes that his family home is his preferred living environment, where he had a job and a sense of normalcy.

“Instead of living my life, I’m stuck in hospital where my life has essentially stopped,” Mehta said.

Mehta’s case is not unique. Other disabled individuals have shared similar experiences, reporting months of delays in receiving home care. Campaigners and patients alike argue that the ICB’s actions reflect a growing trend of prioritizing cost-saving measures over personalized support. This has led to a situation where some patients are forced to choose between their health and their independence.

NHS Response and Allegations

While the ICB denies that cost was the main driver of Mehta’s care decision, they acknowledge the emotional impact of his prolonged stay. A spokesperson stated that the board’s actions were guided by clinical safety and the need to find a long-term solution. They also highlighted efforts to provide additional support, including funding above the standard personal health budget.

Despite these assurances, Mehta feels his care has been compromised. He says the ICB has not offered a viable alternative to his home-based support, leaving him in a state of limbo. The BBC has reviewed documents indicating that the ICB is now considering charging patients for hospital stays if they refuse care home placements. This policy, Mehta argues, creates a financial incentive to keep disabled individuals in the hospital rather than allowing them to return home.

Broader Implications for Patients

Frances Tippett, a former NHS leader, commented on the growing pressure on care boards to reduce costs. She said that for patients with complex needs, the trend feels like a step backward. “It feels like the clock is being turned back,” Tippett said. “We’re moving away from support that is planned in partnership with the individual and toward more restrictive models.”

Mehta’s case underscores the challenges faced by those requiring high-level care. The ICB’s decision to terminate his budget has left him without the resources to maintain his independence, forcing him into a prolonged hospital stay. His experience has also sparked a debate about the balance between cost efficiency and patient-centered care. Advocates argue that complex care packages should be preserved, ensuring that individuals with severe disabilities can continue living in their preferred environments.

As the dispute continues, Mehta remains hopeful but concerned. He says he is determined to fight for the support he needs to return home. Meanwhile, the NHS South East London ICB maintains that their actions are based on clinical assessments and governance. However, the controversy has raised questions about the fairness of the system and whether disabled patients are being treated as a cost burden rather than individuals with unique needs.

The situation highlights the critical role of personal health budgets in enabling disabled individuals to manage their care. With Mehta’s case now a focal point, the NHS faces pressure to address the growing concerns of patients and caregivers. For now, he remains in the hospital, a place where his life has slowed to a halt, waiting for a resolution that could either restore his independence or confirm his fears of being trapped in a system that values cost over care.