How psychiatric in-patient care for people with learning disabilities is transforming after Winterbourne View

Abstract

Purpose – Two censuses, from 2010 and 2013, respectively, shed light on the trend in use of in-patient psychiatric care for people with learning disability or autism following the BBC documentary exposing abuse of patients at Winterbourne View. The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications of the detailed trends for future care for this group. Design/methodology/approach – Published data from a recent (September 2013) census are compared with the re-analysis of a census undertaken by the Care Quality Commission in March 2010. Findings – An overall 35 per cent reduction in numbers of in-patients is made up of larger falls in groups generally easier to discharge (older, female, in general as opposed to secure units). There is also substantial variation around the country. Research limitations/implications – There are some uncertainties about the comparability of the two censuses and the question of how complete enumeration was of people with learning disabilities in general mental illness beds. Originality/value – The paper raise the question of whether the beds that are reducing fastest may be those most likely to be of value to a high quality and sustainable service in the long term.