Inverness Learning Disabilities Patient’s Housing Success

The final stage of a process that will see patients with learning disabilities from New Craig’s Hospital in Inverness housed in the community is well under way.

NHS Highland and Highland Council is in the final stage of decommissioning New Craig’s learning disability beds.

This is in line with a national policy which aims to ensure people with a learning disability do not have a hospital as their home.

Yesterday’s NHS Highland board meeting heard that nine patients have been re-settled in their own homes in and around the Inverness area over the past 18 months.

Between January and February 2008, a further 19 people will move into custom-built accommodation, with the remaining 10 scheduled to move by the end of July.

Garry Coutts, chairman of the board, said: “An incredible difference in life circumstances has been created for some of these people.

“People with learning difficulties do need a high level of care, but when they are living in their own homes, with their own belongings, the improvement in the quality of life for these people is tremendous.”

Sense Scotland has been selected as the care provider and its recruitment programme is currently well under way. Financial commitment came from NHS Highland and Highland Council.