Report on the Resettlement of Long Stay Patients from Learning Disability Hospitals

Northern Ireland Assembly Report 53/09/10/R, Thirteenth Report of Session 2009-2010 – Report Together with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee Relating to the Report and the Minutes of Evidence

Author:

Northern Ireland Assembly – Public Accounts Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

In 1995, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety took a policy decision that all long-stay patients at the three remaining learning disability hospitals (Muckamore Abbey, Longstone and Lakeview) should be offered a better life through resettlement in the community.

As discussed in the 'Report on the Resettlement of Long Stay Patients from Learning Disability Hospitals', the Department's initial target was to resettle all learning disability patients from long-stay hospitals by 2002. However, the Department failed to meet this commitment and over 250 long-stay patients currently remain in learning disability hospitals. The latest target anticipates full resettlement by 2013. While many of those who remain in long-stay hospitals have the most severe disabilities, there are many others who have been assessed as fit to be discharged.

It is totally unacceptable that 15 years after adoption of the resettlement policy, a large number of those who remain in hospital are keen to be resettled into the community and have been assessed as fit to leave. Achievement against the latest target will require detailed planning. Some work on the likely requirements and costs of resettlement has been undertaken but it needs to be more extensive and systematic.

In addition to planning for existing demand, the Department needs to ensure its future plans cater for the needs of the people with learning disabilities who currently live with, and receive care from, their ageing carers. The Department must support family members providing care at home, particularly through respite care. It must consult with carers, assess their needs and then develop appropriately tailored respite services.

Extent	63 pages	ISBN	9780339603301
Size	n/a	Price	£11.50
Format	Paperback	Published	13 May 2010
Availability	Out of Print: but may be available to order	Delivery	Delivery options and charges