Learning disability care ‘should be transferred to social services’

Patients with learning disabilities should have the responsibility for care transferred from the NHS to social services, it has been argued

Mencap has claimed that hospitals do not provide the most constructive environment for those suffering from learning disabilities in the long term.

These comments after Healthcare Commission investigation into a number of assaults in a facility for patients with learning disabilities that occurred at Orchard Hill Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, that found “institutional abuse” at the trust, in addition to poor living conditions and limited activity available for residents.

David Congdon, head of campaigns and policy at Mencap, said: “There ought to be a transfer of care from the NHS to social services.

“Hospitals are not really the best environment for people with a learning disability to be living on a long-term basis.”

He added that the disability charity would favour increased training for those involved in care giving, with a focus on values-based training which the organisation holds to be a key constituent in providing support to those with learning disabilities.

Mencap has announced that Learning Disability Week will be held from June 17th-24th 2007, which will see the launch of the group’s campaign to prevent the bullying of young people suffering with a learning disability.