A 49-year-old single mother from Carronshore, Falkirk, has faced a difficult choice between receiving urgent medical treatment and caring for her two young sons, both with autism and additional support needs. Deborah Wright was diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious infection requiring immediate inpatient care. However, she says she has repeatedly been forced to leave hospital because no suitable childcare arrangements were available.
Wright, who lost her former partner three years ago, has two sons: 12-year-old Conley, who has ADHD, autism, a chromosome deletion, sensory issues, and pica, and 8-year-old Eldon, who is awaiting an autism assessment. She has no family members able to provide the specialized care her children require. Despite numerous requests from herself, hospital staff, doctors, and mental health professionals, Wright says Falkirk Council social services failed to arrange appropriate emergency placements for her children.
She first fell ill in April and attended Forth Valley Hospital, where doctors recommended immediate admission for intravenous antibiotics. Wright left hospital to pick up her children but was subsequently urged to return after tests confirmed her diagnosis. At the hospital, she was told she would require several days of inpatient treatment, yet she was again unable to stay due to the absence of childcare. Hospital staff temporarily cared for her sons overnight when no other options were immediately available, but longer-term solutions were not forthcoming.
A spokesperson for Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said the Emergency Duty Team first explores placement with family or friends and, when that is not possible, arranges temporary foster care. However, Wright and her supporters contend that no options were adequate or timely. After several days, a placement was offered far from her home, involving lengthy travel for her children. Wright described this arrangement as unsuitable and said it came too late to prevent her from leaving hospital against medical advice on multiple occasions.
Wright has reported severe symptoms including pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, and hallucinations resulting from her untreated infection. She said she fears the lack of childcare support may be life-threatening if she cannot complete her recommended treatment.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition commented that no parent should be forced to choose between life-saving care and their children’s welfare. Meanwhile, Meghan Gallacher, Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland and Lothians West, attributed the difficulties to mismanagement within the NHS and social care systems, calling for accountability from the government.
Despite the challenges, hospital staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital have been praised by Wright for their compassion and efforts to accommodate her family’s unique needs. She continues to seek a sustainable solution that allows her to receive necessary medical treatment while ensuring safe and appropriate care for her sons.