DoH announces plans to build new homes in the community

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced plans to build new homes in the community for sufferers of severe learning disabilities.

Currently, these individuals suffer the risk of being institutionalised, with 1,600 individuals living on NHS campuses and denied the freedom to make everyday decisions or develop vital social skills.

The DoH has opened a bidding process for local authorities and primary care trusts for the construction of independent accommodation in the community for these patients.

In total, 175 million pounds will be used for housing and day facilities, in addition to helping individuals make the transition to living in their new homes.

Ivan Lewis, care services minister, said: “Putting people with learning disabilities in hospitals and large scale institutions was a scandal which disfigured our society.

“People who are neither a danger to themselves or others have the right to live in the community.”

He added that individuals in the community will receive top-quality support to facilitate their living a full life, with the move highlighting the belief that people with learning disabilities retain the right to equal citizenship.

In June 2007, the DoH announced the launch of an independent inquiry to investigate the access to healthcare for individuals with learning disabilities.