Disabled 'trapped' by NHS care

This is Stafforshire ^ | 8/1/12 | The Sentinel

[Nachum]

PEOPLE with severe learning disabilities are being let down by health services in Staffordshire, according to a damning new report.

The document found significant numbers 'trapped' in inappropriate and outdated NHS services which are both expensive and robbing them of the chance to lead better, more independent lives.

The county also relies too much on hospital beds for the residents because of an inability to support people in local housing and the community.

Investigators found one patient who had been kept in a bed at the Harplands Hospital treatment and assessment unit, Hartshill, for five years.

Social services bosses told them of problems drafting in health specialists to help with crisis cases in the community – and that patients' behaviour was no better when they left hospital than when they had gone in.

But NHS managers felt social care providers were too weak and unskilled to look after people with such complex and challenging needs.

Patients' families were also kept out of the loop when services were being drawn up for their loved-ones.

The review was ordered by the county's three primary care trusts and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire councils last November, but the conclusion has only now come to light following a Freedom of Information request.