Question reference: S6W-26356
- Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 21 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 16 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its aim to greatly reduce the placement of young people with learning disabilities in out-of-area residential placements and inappropriate hospital settings by March 2024, how many young people with learning disabilities and complex care needs are currently placed in such inappropriate hospital settings for assessment or treatment.
Answer
Children and young people are only admitted to an inpatient unit for assessment and treatment when there is a clear clinical need and rationale. This would not be inappropriate within the context of current practice, and only becomes inappropriate at the point of becoming a delayed discharge.
Data on the number of delayed discharges for children and young people with learning disabilities is not held centrally. The current work referred to is directed at people aged 18 and above.
Our Autism, Learning Disabilities and Neurodivergence Bill is currently out for consultation within which are proposals on legislative options for Dynamic Support Registers.