Man with paralysis seeks extended hospital recovery period

A patient, hospitalized for over 500 days due to a rare auto-immune disorder, has expressed apprehension regarding his recovery prospects as his discharge approaches, following a reduction in his physiotherapy regimen. Ross Leslie, a 62-year-old resident of Northumberland, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in May 2023. This condition, which involves the body’s immune system attacking its own nerves, manifested suddenly. Mr. Leslie has been receiving care at a hospital in Newcastle. He contends that the reduction in his treatment has led to a reversal of his progress and that no appropriate facility is available for his discharge. The Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust (CNTW) stated that it is unable to comment on specific patient situations. Prior to the onset of the rare condition, the retired air freight courier, who resides in Bedlington, was in good health, having completed an 18-hole golf round just one day before his illness began. “I became paralysed from the feet up to the waist instantly, in the space of five or 10 minutes,” he stated. Initially, the severity of his paralysis restricted his communication to blinking. Mr. Leslie underwent 10 months of intensive care before being transferred to Walkergate Park in Newcastle, which is an NHS specialist neurological rehabilitation facility. He recounted, “I had extensive hydropool therapy and smaller half-hour sessions with physios. For the first six months I was making big, big inroads. Muscles and joints were getting stronger and moving.” Although his treatment program was prolonged until 16 September, he remained unable to stand without assistance. Medical professionals informed Mr. Leslie that he would no longer be provided with the complete physiotherapy treatment program, leading him to believe his condition has deteriorated. “My joints and muscles are getting a lot tighter, weaker,” he reported, adding, “I’m taking more painkillers.” He is now facing discharge to either his residence or a care home, neither of which he considers appropriate for his requirements. Guillain-Barre syndrome is estimated to impact approximately one individual per 100,000 annually. While its exact causes are not known, it frequently develops in patients following an infection. The NHS indicates that the majority of individuals recover within a year, though treatment may necessitate several months of hospitalization. Mr. Leslie has lodged complaints with both the NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service and the management of CNTW. The exact justifications for Mr. Leslie’s discharge are not yet clear, and the BBC has learned that a formal complaints procedure is currently active with CNTW. Rich Collins, chief executive of GAIN, a charitable organization assisting individuals with GBS, commented: “We understand that there is enormous pressure across health and social care in terms of funding and resources, but a short-term saving on a health budget may lead to a longer-term social care cost.” A spokesperson for the Department of Health stated: “Our 10-year health plan will transform the health service by shifting care out of hospitals into community, so all patients receive the care and support they require – we will ensure the NHS has the funding it needs to achieve, and we are committed to delivering the biggest expansion of NHS staff in history.” Information from BBC North East is available on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.