Matthew Sheldrick (1)
16 Dec 2024 · Coroner Penelope Schofield · West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of inpatient beds
“The lack of inpatient beds leading to the unacceptable wait time in A&E for those suffering with their mental health who are awaiting beds”
2. shortage of beds for autistic patients
“There being a shortage of beds for Autistic patients (both informal and detained) within the private sector that are being funded by the ICB”
3. shortage of beds for transgender patients
“There being a shortage of beds for transgender patients who are in need of a mixed ward”
4. lack of appreciation of length of stay in A&E
“In Matty's case it appears there was a lack of appreciation by the ICB of his extensive length of stay in A&E”
5. unsuitable A&E environment for mental health patients
“The unsuitability of the environment of A&E as a holding place for those in need of a mental health bed”
6. gap in services for high‑risk patients
“There is a gap in services for those who are not ill enough to be detained but who are too high risk to be sent home”