A YOUNG man who suffered severe brain damage after choking on a piece of chewing gum, has been allowed home to be cared for by his family after a four year wait.
Rhys Thomas, 20, a former pupil of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph, was left severely disabled after the chewing gum became lodged in his windpipe four years ago.
Rhys was found unconscious by his parents and spent time on a life support machine. He was left unable to speak, move or see and has been cared for in various hospitals and care homes since the accident in 2007.
Rhys's family have been frustrated at the delay in getting him home, and have been distressed at what they say are obstacles and ‘bureaucracy’ that have led to repeated postponements.
Betsi Cadwaladr NHS Trust, who have been funding Rhys's care, has acknowledged the family's protracted fight to bring Rhys home and have apologised.
"The health board is very sorry that despite significant efforts made by Rhys's family, health board staff and other agencies, that it took so long for Rhys to return home,” the trust said in a statement.
"Planning Rhys's discharge and home care has been a very lengthy process due to the complexity of his care needs.
"We have also learnt valuable lessons about how to speed up the process in such unique circumstances."
Specialist equipment has been installed in the family home and specialist carers will assist Rhys's family in caring for him.