“The lack of inpatient beds leading to the unacceptable wait time in A&E for those…”

The coroner’s concerns

1. 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. In Matty’s case a bed was not found for them within a 26-day period. 2. There being a shortage of beds for Autistic patients (both informal and detained) within the private sector that are being funded by the Regulation 28 – After Inquest Document Template Updated 30/07/2021 ICB. Evidence was heard that those providing beds within the public sector very often refused to accept autistic patients due to their additional risks. 3. There being a shortage of beds for transgender patients who are in need of a mixed ward. 4. In Matty’s case it appears there was a lack of appreciation by the ICB of his extensive length of stay in A&E. It appears that this information (and others who had lengthy stays) was not at that time being collected, monitored and acted on by the ICB. 5. The unsuitability of the environment of A&E as a holding place for those in need of a mental health bed. The evidence was that the environment in A&E as a holding place is not conducive for those suffering with Autism and/or who are neurodiverse. The environment in A&E can exacerbate and cause further deterioration in their mental health. 6. 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. 7. There is a significant wait time for referral to the Assessment and Treatment Service. Therefore, any therapeutic input is delayed, and this results in repetitive attendances at A&E when in crisis. 8. Current gaps in service around psychosocial support for transgender, non-binary and intersex adults have been provided by third party charitable organisations. It is understood that much of their funding has recently been withdrawn by the ICB. This is of particular concern as Brighton is recognised as having one of the largest trans communities in the Country

An extract. Read the full report, including the circumstances of the death, on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website.

Source

judiciary.uk, Prevention of Future Deaths reports, 2024-0689

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8 Oct 2026

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary, judiciary.uk. Open Government Licence v3.0