Variation in rates of inpatient admission and lengths of stay experienced by adults with learning disabilities in England

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary from a Scottish perspective on some of the issues raised in the paper “Variation in rates of inpatient admission and lengths of stay experienced by adults with learning disabilities in England”.Design/methodology/approachThe policy context in relation to people with learning disabilities in Scotland is reviewed, alongside an update about a current Scottish Government project focussed on understanding and addressing the issue of people with learning disabilities whose discharge from hospital is delayed.FindingsAs regards to people with learning disabilities who are inpatients in hospitals in Scotland, there are similar themes in common with those in the paper by Elaine James and colleagues; however Scottish policy has developed differently from that in England in this area.Originality/valueThis commentary adds to the discussion by contributing a Scottish perspective on issues and outlines work being done to address the need for people with learning disabilities and complex needs in Scotland to live within their local communities.