William Eichler 09 October 2017

Psychiatric wards ‘last resort’ for disabled people with challenging behaviour

Local authorities should provide specialist community care for people with learning disabilities whose behaviour can be challenging in order to avoid admissions to psychiatric wards or residential homes, new guidance says.

Estimates suggest there are 1.2 million people with a learning disability in England, and between 10-17% of those have behaviour that is harmful to themselves or other people.

New draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that councils and NHS bodies should only admit people to psychiatric wards or residential homes as a last resort.

These institutions should also be as close as possible to the patients home, according to the proposed guidance.

‘Our draft guideline recognises that some people with learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges are not receiving the care they deserve,’ Jonathan Senker, chief executive of VoiceAbility and chair of the guideline committee.

‘Good, specialist support in the community is often lacking and this can make life for people and their families extremely difficult.

‘They can find themselves in a crisis and admitted to hospital as an inpatient. We want services to provide better support in the community to break this disruptive pattern of care.’

The draft guidance — out for consultation until 20 November — recommends that a specialist lead commissioner is appointed by councils to make sure the right support is available.

It also suggests a ‘named worker’ from the community learning disability team be made responsible for coordinating someone’s care.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner