Overworked carers have missed out on vital holidays because NHS bosses have spent the money on other projects, the Sutton Guardian can reveal.

Sutton and Merton NHS last year received a £364,352 Government grant to improve support for carers, giving priority to paying for carers’ breaks – however just £150,000 went towards carers’ support and services.

In April it will receive another £726,230.

But NHS chief executive Bill Gillespie said: “Given the economic climate and financial position of the NHS, we are able commit to maintaining 2009/10 expenditure levels on carers issues, but not to increase it beyond that.”

He said: “We will direct resources to carers if this represents the most effective way of improving services.”

Meanwhile many carers in the borough are struggling to cope, working 24-hours a day without any breaks.

MP Paul Burstow, who has campaigned to get more funding for carers, described the situation as “absolutely disgusting” and “a shocking misuse of resources”.

Sutton Carers Centre Princess Royal Trust for Carers chief executive Rachael MacLeod said: “Carers help people who are vulnerable, sick and disabled remain at home where they want to be and represent good value – morally and economically – for our communities.

“Investing in time out and support for unpaid carers is a key preventative medical strategy. So NHS Sutton and Merton should spend all the £700,000 the Government is giving it for carers from April and not short-change them as it has done this year.”

A NHS Sutton and Merton spokesman said: “Last year, we increased the level of investment in carers to £1m (from £850,000 the year before). We are committed to maintaining current levels of expenditure in 2010-11. This money will be used for providing respite for carers of children with complex needs, providing respite for carers of people in continuing care and supporting carers of people with dementia.

“As the financial position across the NHS is so challenging, we regret that we are not able to commit to increasing investment in carers in 2010/11.

“Detailed planning work for the year is currently under way, and we will look to invest in services that improve the experience of carers where this also supports improvements in services.”

CASE STUDY Maria Guy, 54, left, from Ross Road, Wallington has cared for husband Colin for the past 12 years.

She has not had a break for five-years.

Mr Guy, 64, who uses a Zimmer frame and walking stick, has severe mobility problems – he has arthritis, one leg shorter than another following a motorbike accident and also suffers from type two diabetes. He is often bed-ridden and cannot do anything for himself, meaning Mrs Guy feels permanently exhausted.

A tearful Mrs Guy, who was hoping to benefit from the carers’ funding, said: “I bathe Colin and dress him – he can’t even put his own socks on. I don’t sleep at night because I’ve always got one eye and ear on Colin.

“Colin is getting worse, his body is completely breaking down – some days he can’t move.

“I can’t go on like this, and neither can other carers. I really, really need a break – it’s not a lot to ask for.

“It upsets me that the PCT has not used the funding to help us. I’ve struggled for years and it’s getting to the stage where there is nothing anyone is doing to help me any more.”