Scots with learning disabilities ‘trapped’ in hospital for six years – report

Nine people with learning disabilities and complex needs are stuck in Scotland’s hospitals because of a lack of care in the community, figures have shown.

As of March, 67 people with extra support needs were experiencing delayed discharge, with 42 having been stuck in hospital for more than a year and nine for at least six.

The figures show that dozens of people with learning disabilities are kept inside hospitals despite being ready to leave.

In its report, Public Health Scotland said the waits could be the result of “issues relating to funding, accommodation, or finding appropriate care providers”.

It shows that 29 people have “inappropriate out-of-area placement” and that 196 people are “at risk of support breakdown”.

Scottish Labour said Tuesday’s figures sparked concern that efforts to address the issue, following a Government report eight years ago, were not working as needed.

Jackie Baillie, the party’s deputy leader and health spokeswoman, said: “This damning report shows people with learning disabilities and complex needs are being let down on the SNP’s watch.

“Dozens of people are trapped in hospital for years on end despite being medically ready to leave because they simply can’t get the care they need.

“It is not right that people are being abandoned by a social care system that cannot cope, and a lack of investment in specialist care.

“The SNP must urgently look into the serious issues raised in this report and make sure our social care system can deliver the specialist care people need to live their lives.”

Community care minister Alison Thewliss said: “Whilst today’s statistics show encouraging progress in supporting people with learning disabilities and complex care needs to live in their own communities, clearly it is not acceptable for anyone to be in hospital longer than they need to be.

“More must be done, that’s why we are investing £20 million of funding to implement the Coming Home Action Plan, which sets out measures to ensure tailored support and housing close to home, family and friends.

“Together with local partners, we are working to ensure people with learning disabilities can live full and independent lives in their communities.”