Learning disability charities call for move away from institutional forms of care

Regulatory body for care services in England, the Care Quality Commission, have confirmed that a national report into care for adults with learning disabilities will be published in the Spring, detailing the results of a targeted programme of 150 unannounced inspections of hospital and care home performance.

The regulation of care residencies that specialise in learning disabilities was thrust dramatically into the national spotlight last year, after a BBC Panorama documentary went undercover to film the abuse that was occurring at Winterbourne View care home, in Bristol. Together with the care home itself, the role of the CQC was deeply criticised after it emerged that ‘whistleblowers’ had alerted the regulator but no action has been taken.

Thirty-two of the inspection reports had already been published, with twenty more released today that have already served to provide the care sector with a flavour of how services are assessed as performing on a national basis. Of the latest batch, only four of the twenty have been found to be compliant with essential standards, while two of the hospitals are recorded as major concerns, one of which has been issued an official warning by the regulator.

A joint response issued by charity Mencap and The Challenging Behaviour Foundation announced their support for moving away from institutionalised forms of care for adults with a learning disability:

‘These latest CQC reports again reveal serious concerns about the care people with a learning disability are receiving in specialist assessment units, and it is extremely worrying that 16 of the latest 20 units inspected by the CQC are not fully compliant with essential quality and safety standards. These post-Winterbourne reviews are providing a strong justification for moving away from institutional care where people are hidden away out of sight and mind, towards developing local services. It is crucial the Government ensures these changes are made to reduce the likelihood of the abuses seen at Winterbourne View happening again.’