Deborah Wright, a single mother from Carronshore, Falkirk, has described being forced to choose between life-saving hospital treatment and caring for her two young sons, both of whom have autism and additional support needs. The 49-year-old was diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious and potentially fatal infection requiring urgent hospital care.
Repeatedly forced to leave hospital
Since falling ill in April, Wright has repeatedly discharged herself or left against medical advice because no childcare was available. Her former partner died three years ago, leaving her as the sole carer for her sons, Conley, 12, and Eldon, 8. Conley has ADHD, autism, a chromosome deletion, sensory issues and pica; Eldon is awaiting an autism assessment.
Wright said: “I never imagined I’d be told I needed urgent hospital treatment to save my life, while at the same time being left with no support to care for my children. One doctor told me, ‘If you go home and put your head down to sleep, you may never wake up’. My stomach is swollen, I can’t breathe properly, I can barely walk, and I’m still on antibiotics.”
Social services criticised
Wright said Falkirk Council social services failed to provide a suitable emergency placement despite repeated requests from her, hospital staff, doctors and mental health professionals. She said: “The response from social services was I had family who could help. But the reality is no one in my family can provide the level of care my children need.”
At one point, her condition deteriorated so severely that she was taken to hospital by ambulance, suffering severe pain, confusion and hallucinations. It was only when hospital staff on the children’s ward stepped in to care for her sons overnight that she could begin treatment. After several days, a placement was offered but was miles away and required early morning taxi travel, which Wright deemed unsuitable for her children’s complex needs.
Ongoing treatment needs
Doctors have now told Wright she requires further treatment and potentially long-term care, but she cannot agree to admission without a reliable childcare plan. She said: “My doctor is saying I need to go back into hospital for seven days, maybe even longer. But I still have nowhere for my children to go.”
Political reaction
Meghan Gallacher, Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, said: “No one should have to endure the difficulties Deborah faced, but it speaks volumes about the SNP’s mismanagement of our NHS and care provision. They should explain why the system failed.”
Official response
A spokesperson from Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Where temporary care is required, our Emergency Duty Team will always discuss potential placement options with friends and family in the first instance. Where placement with loved ones is not possible, we will arrange a temporary placement with the closest available foster family. If temporary care needs can be anticipated in advance, our social work teams can work with families to plan ahead, building early relationships with foster carers to help ensure continuity and familiarity for children.”
The spokesperson added: “Our teams remain committed to working in partnership with families to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children while supporting parents through periods of difficulty or ill health, and will work with families to explore the best available options.”
Charity concern
A spokesperson for the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition said: “This is a deeply concerning account. No parent should ever be forced to choose between receiving potentially life-saving medical treatment and ensuring their children are safe and cared for. Families raising children with additional support needs already face significant pressures, and statutory services have a responsibility to respond quickly and effectively when a family experiences a crisis. Where emergency support is unavailable, the consequences can be severe not only for the parent concerned but also for the children involved.”
The coalition urged relevant agencies to review the case and ensure no family faces such an impossible choice in future.
