North East and North Cumbria Region Has Highest Rate of Adults with Learning Disabilities in Mental Health Hospitals

The North East and North Cumbria region in England has the highest rate of adults with learning disabilities or autism in mental health hospitals, despite a government target to reduce these numbers, according to data from the Mencap charity and NHS England. The region has an adult inpatient rate of 73 per million, significantly higher than the government's target of 30 per million by the end of March 2024.

Mencap's data reveals that nearly a third of local areas have not seen a reduction in their adult inpatient rates, with some regions like North Cumbria and Birmingham & Solihull even seeing an increase in recent years. The charity estimates that at the current rate of change, the government's target won't be met until 2030.

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board acknowledged the challenge of finding suitable local alternatives for people with learning disabilities or autism, as the region is known for providing high-quality specialized services that attract people from other parts of the country. A spokesperson stated, "We are working hard with our local authorities and other partners to reduce the number of people with a learning disability and autistic people who are in hospital when they could be better supported in the community."

Why this matters: The high rate of adults with learning disabilities or autism in mental health hospitals highlights the ongoing challenges in providing appropriate care and support for this vulnerable group. The failure to meet government targets underscores the need for further action to address the issue and ensure that individuals receive the necessary community-based support to lead fulfilling lives.

Mencap has launched a petition along with people with lived experience and other organizations, calling on the government to stop the inappropriate detention of people with a learning disability and autistic people. The charity emphasizes that these are not just numbers, but people who are not living in their local communities with the support and services they need, and are instead detained in hospitals. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged that there is "more to do" to support autistic people and those with learning disabilities to lead ordinary lives in their communities.

Key Takeaways

• North East and North Cumbria region has highest rate of adults with learning disabilities or autism in mental health hospitals.
• Region's adult inpatient rate is 73 per million, far exceeding government's target of 30 per million by 2024.
• Nearly a third of local areas have not seen a reduction in adult inpatient rates, with some seeing increases.
• Integrated Care Board acknowledges challenge of finding suitable local alternatives for this population.
• Mencap launches petition calling for government to stop inappropriate detention of people with learning disabilities and autism.