Services lack quality standards

Abstract

Variation in support for people with learning disabilities and a lack of clarity over responsibilities for health services are amongst the main findings of a report from the Department of Health. Facing the Facts is the result of a survey of 24 local authorities and health services that was carried out in the early part of 1999 but not published until last November. The aim of the survey was to assess progress towards the model of social and health care services envisaged in government policies set out in 1992. Although long-stay hospital places have almost disappeared, the authors report their disappointment that many people are still living in large, congregate care settings. The report also states that only half of the authorities surveyed had acceptable quality standards. This situation looks set to change, as the report goes on to admit that the Department’s current performance indicators do not have the capacity to assess the health and social well being of people with learning disabilities. The scope and quality of provision of services for people with more complex needs is particularly worrying, with only one third