Learning disabilities treatment care ‘intolerable’, report warns

According to a review conducted by Sir Stephen Bubb, of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, the treatment of some people with learning disabilities in hospitals and care homes is ‘intolerable’.

The final report, entitled ‘Time for Change - The Challenge Ahead’ , was launched after incidents of abuse were revealed at Winterbourne View in 2011. The report criticised the lack of progress made in driving a reform to social care. It recommended that people should be moved to community care and a charter of rights created, along with the appointment of a commissioner to lead the reform.

Following the revelation of serious patient abuse and neglect at Winterboune View private hospital, Bubb was asked by NHS England to examine how to address the serious shortcomings in the support of people with learning disabilities.

The report cited that 3,500 vulnerable disabled people were still in institutions, 30 per cent higher than was initially predicted. It adds that in order to provide suitable support, people in their community will require 10,000 additional staff, trained to an established standard.

The report also recommends that there is a ‘critical need’ to develop housing for vulnerable people, with at least 1,300 people expected to move out of hospital care by 2019. It suggests that such tenants should be exempt from proposed housing benefit caps.

In an interview with the BBC, Bubb said: "I have been really shocked by what I have heard about seclusion, around over-medication, around the use of physical restraint. It's an intolerable way to treat people with learning disabilities. The right place for people is with their families and in the community, supported properly."

Health minister Alistair Burt said: "It was only recently that NHS England announced a major programme to move people with learning disabilities out of hospital and into their communities.

"This, combined with the increase in specialist staff including nurses, will transform care. We are not complacent and will work with the NHS, local government and others to make sure their plan is delivered."