Plans to close some specialist learning disability units welcomed by campaigners

By The Press Association30th October 2015News EnglandLearning Disabilities, News England, Winterbourne View

Campaigners and leading health experts have welcomed plans to close some specialist units for people with learning disabilities.

The move, announced by NHS England, the Local Government Association (LGA), and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), marks a step change in the treatment of people who rely on high quality care, they said.

Sir Stephen Bubb, who has been critical of delays in implementing the plan following his report last year into the Winterbourne View care home (pictured) scandal, said he was “appalled” at the way people had been treated.

He will now run a consultation programme to see what people who use the services think of the changes and how they can be fully involved in the roll-out of the plan.

He said: “There have been so many broken promises. So many reports. People with learning disabilities have been badly let down by the system. When I have spoken to people with learning disabilities who have been incarcerated in institutions for years I’m appalled at the way they have been treated.

“Physical restraint, over-medication and seclusion are shocking ways to treat our fellow citizens and I’m determined we must do better.

“That is why I welcome today’s closure programme. That’s why I welcome the plan to scale up community provision. In my view it’s a step change. High time some will say, but I’m confident it is now going to happen.”

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: “As good and necessary as some inpatient care can be, people with learning disabilities are clear they want to live in homes, not hospitals.

“We’ve seen some progress over the last few years, but now is the moment to grasp the nettle and build the excellent community-based support that will allow people to move out of hospitals.”

Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England, said: “Society has failed this group of people for decades. Now is the time to put things right, and with this far-reaching plan I am confident that we can finally make quick, significant and lasting improvements to their lives.”

Ray James, ADASS president, said: “ADASS welcomes this clear and ambitious national plan and is committed to ensuring that people with learning disabilities are supported to lead meaningful, independent lives in their local community wherever possible.

“This is already the case in many parts of the country: it can and must be done everywhere else.”

Izzi Seccombe, community wellbeing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “The LGA is fully committed to supporting this programme but at a time when councils are facing continued financial pressures, it is vital that the Government properly funds the changes needed in the social care system so that people who need support get the vital help that they deserve.”

Janet Davies, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said the pace of change had been slow, adding: “Too many people with learning disabilities and autism are unnecessarily admitted to hospital when they would be better served and supported in the community.

“Delivering this ambitious plan requires focus and having the right resources and workforce in place. Learning disability nurses are key.”

Professor Sir Simon Wessely, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, welcomed the plan, adding: “In particular we are pleased that the programme recognises that this needs to be a careful and not rushed process. Instant solutions rarely work, so we welcome the investment, timetable and recognition that there will be always be a need for some beds, albeit fewer than before.”

Steve Sollars, father of Sam, who was at Winterbourne View, said: “My son Sam, who was at Winterbourne View, was restrained 45 times in a six-month period.

“Sam was unrecognisable because of what he had been through. He is now flourishing in the place where he is. However, there are still far too many people in places like this getting high levels of restraint and medication, behind closed doors.

“It is shocking and very frustrating that this is still going on even after all these years. We have had enough talk, what we need now is action to bring about change for people with a learning disability and families.”

Jan Tregelles, chief executive of Mencap, and Vivien Cooper, chief executive of the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, said in a statement: “Whilst this report has strong ambitions which we welcome, significant questions remain unanswered. At this stage we were expecting a proper analysis of why there has been a lack of progress to date, alongside a well thought through, costed and robust implementation plan.

“This report presents some good ambitions but it is unclear how they will translate to the right outcomes for people.

“We are concerned about whether sufficient resource and investment is being made available up front to develop the local support and services required. At the same time as this report makes a commitment to close beds, we know there are new units planning to open.

“It is essential that local partnerships are held to account for delivery and there is a focus on early intervention and prevention including getting it right for children.

“Families will be fearful of the fact that there is little new in the report about how local areas can be compelled to make the necessary changes to support services and guard against a postcode lottery of poor care. New money has been announced today but there is no indication as to whether this is sufficient to rapidly mobilise the new housing and care services needed, whilst also up-skilling local area teams.”