Cleo had already spent 8 years in various hospitals, when the PDS were first instructed in 2014. It was accepted by all parties shortly afterwards, that she was inappropriately housed – needing a home and not a hospital.
In October 2018, following continuous and close involvement with discharge planning, the PDS stated:
‘It is time to shout loudly and publicly that Cleo’s continued incarceration is just unacceptable. It is unfathomable to reason that health and social care and housing have not been able to work together to provide a resolution to give effect to a decision to discharge which is now 3 years old!!’
In November 2018 NHS England agreed a £290,000 grant to Orwell Housing HA to acquire a property for Cleo to rent.
In December 2018 a suitable property was identified near to her mother.
In March 2019 Orwell HA completed the purchase of this property
In July 2019 Suffolk County Council Contracts and Service Development Manager (Mental Health and Learning Disability Commissioning Team) thanked The PDS as follows:
‘I just wanted to send you an email to thank you for all the support you gave the customer, her family and the project team through this. During this time you endlessly advocated and represented the customer’s needs and it was clear from Mums feedback today that your input made a significant impact.“
Thank you and I look forward to working with you in other projects in the future.’
1st October 2019, Cleo moves into her own home. The community support team leader advised: ‘She has had the biggest smile on her face all day. So all in all a great first day’.
16th October 2019 a support worker reports ‘Cleo’s Mum yesterday said that Cleo has a permanent smile on her face – she is out every day and is getting on with every one of her support team – all of whom are great. Cleo made an immediate attachment to her new home – her Mum says she knows she is living next to her which is making her a very happy family’
27 December 2019 – Cleo returns from Liverpool having spent Christmas with her terminally ill grandmother, with her mother and sister and extended family in her grandmother’s home. Her horizon had at last reached to where it belongs, the support team commented:
‘Can I please just share the amazing news with you all.
Cleo has had an amazing Christmas with her family in Liverpool, no concerns or issues.We have all made it back safely and are a very happy team.’