'I have my freedom after so long stuck in the hospital'
The Independent|November 14, 2024
He was trapped in medical units for a decade because of his autism but now Nicholas Thornton is finally free. He tells Rebecca Thomas how, for a period, the ordeal robbed him of his speech and why a brighter future awaits as he nears 30
'I have my freedom after so long stuck in the hospital'

Just one year ago, Nicholas Thornton lay in a windowless hospital room, in a bed he could not leave on his own, unable to speak.

He had spent 10 years like this, in hospital wards – as well as in unsuitable dementia care homes and psychiatric units – all because he had learning disabilities and autism. Nicholas was finally able to tell his story to The Independent and Channel 4 News, communicating through a laptop to reveal how he had been repeatedly failed by the care system.

Now, 12 months on, he is finally free at the age of 29 – and in a home of his own. His incredible transformation since leaving Rochard Hospital, in Essex, means he is now able to leave his house unassisted and has even regained his speech. “It’s like I have my life back, I have my freedom back... for so long I was just stuck in the hospital. I have my freedom,” he said.

But while Nicholas reaps the benefits of his new life, there are more than 2,000 people just like him, stuck in hospitals across the country because there is no suitable care for them outside.

Hundreds have been trapped in hospital for more than five years, unable to be discharged into the community as local authorities struggle to come up with funding to meet their needs – and some have become so deeply institutionalised that their needs are now extremely complex.

Ministers have introduced a new Mental Health Bill meaning patients with a learning disability and autism would only be sectioned under the Mental Health Act for a maximum of 28 days. But the changes to the act are unlikely to have prevented what happened to Nicholas, who ended up in inappropriate settings primarily because of a breakdown in care packages.

この記事は The Independent の November 14, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Independent の November 14, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE INDEPENDENTのその他の記事すべて表示
Five rescued 24 hours after yacht capsized in Red Sea
The Independent

Five rescued 24 hours after yacht capsized in Red Sea

Search continues for seven people, including two Britons

time-read
2 分  |
November 27, 2024
Pakistan authorities launch operation to clear Islamabad
The Independent

Pakistan authorities launch operation to clear Islamabad

Move follows clashes in the capital between police and supporters of Imran Khan which have left six people dead

time-read
3 分  |
November 27, 2024
World's oldest man dies at 112, 'surrounded by love'
The Independent

World's oldest man dies at 112, 'surrounded by love'

John Tinniswood was born in 1912, the year the Titanic sank

time-read
2 分  |
November 27, 2024
UK troops to probe drones mystery at US airbases
The Independent

UK troops to probe drones mystery at US airbases

Dozens of British soldiers have been drafted in to help the US find out who is responsible for flying more mystery drones over three air bases in England.

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Will our rat-infested prisons forever be a low priority?
The Independent

Will our rat-infested prisons forever be a low priority?

Appalling conditions in English and Welsh prisons have been caused by years of underfunding, mismanagement and neglect, according to Elisabeth Davies, the national chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards.

time-read
3 分  |
November 27, 2024
Dilapidated prisons harmful to inmates, report finds
The Independent

Dilapidated prisons harmful to inmates, report finds

Inmates in the crumbling prison estate have been bitten by rates and venomous spiders, according to a new report that lays bare the state of prisons in England and Wales.

time-read
2 分  |
November 27, 2024
Pub owner started election petition after googling 'how to change prime minister'
The Independent

Pub owner started election petition after googling 'how to change prime minister'

The pub landlord behind a viral petition calling for a general election has revealed why he decided to start it. Michael

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Irish leader's election gaffe threatens Brexit reset hopes
The Independent

Irish leader's election gaffe threatens Brexit reset hopes

Sir Keir Starmer risks a blow to his pledge to reset relations with the European Union after Brexit amid fears one of his key allies could be ousted in Friday’s elections in Ireland.

time-read
2 分  |
November 27, 2024
Press for EU defence ties, Labour MPs urge Starmer
The Independent

Press for EU defence ties, Labour MPs urge Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has been pressed by his own MPs to go faster in pursuing closer relations with Europe on defence and security, amid an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and fears for global security.

time-read
3 分  |
November 27, 2024
Assisted dying bill could be axed before MPs get to vote
The Independent

Assisted dying bill could be axed before MPs get to vote

The assisted dying bill could be axed before it has a chance to be voted on, as a group of MPs have tabled an amendment that could stop it in its tracks.

time-read
3 分  |
November 27, 2024