A teenager who suffered a collapsed lung has been stuck in a hospital bed for a month waiting to be transferred to Guy's in London for a lifesaving operation.

Riley Gough was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital after falling ill at his Rainham home and was given emergency treatment.

A drain was inserted into his lung but a week later medics decided the procedure hadn't worked and said Riley, who is autistic, needed to go to Guy's Hospital in London for surgery.

His mum Jemma Miskin was told he was a priority case but the transfer was delayed after a patient contracted Covid on the ward at the Gillingham hospital. He had to spend 10 days in isolation and take daily tests.

Mum-of-three Jemma was told this week there was no timeline for a bed and operation for her son at Guy's and she contacted KentOnline in exasperation.

They were given the go-ahead for the transfer yesterday (Thursday) after KentOnline contacted the hospital.

Meanwhile, she said Riley's mental health had deteriorated and he was missing out on course work ahead of exams at Greenacre Academy in Walderslade where he is a sixth-former.

It was also impacting on Jemma, 36, a self-employed ambulance care assistant, who is having to find support for her 12-year-old daughter Mia, who is also autistic.

She said: "Our life has been on hold. I can't fault Medway hospital. They have said there is nothing more they can do for Riley, but can't let us home because of the drain and risk of another collapse.

"I have been told if he doesn't have the operation he could have a cardiac arrest.

"Every day he's at Medway, he's taking up a bed and at risk of infection.

"He's bored out of his mind and I'm getting there after the school run and there until 8pm."

“We are making plans for Riley to be transferred to Guy's Hospital today."

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust told KentOnline the transfer had been held up due to him coming in contact with someone who had Covid.

It also confirmed the good news that he would be moved to London.

A trust spokesman said: “We are making plans for Riley to be transferred to Guy's Hospital today.

"His transfer was delayed due to contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 and changes to his condition.

“Our thoracic team treat patients from across south east England based on clinical priority.”