Learning Disability Services Monthly Statistics, AT: August 2023, MHSDS: June 2023 Final

At the end of June 2023 (based on hospital spells data):

• There were 3,305 people with learning disabilities and/ or autistic spectrum disorders (LDA) in hospital.
• There were 1,175 admissions and 1,290 discharges. 78% of these were discharged back into the community.
• There were 363,260 referrals¹ for people with LDA.

Of these inpatients:

• 1,035 (31%) had been in hospital for over 2 years.
• There are 675 inpatients with a planned discharge date (20%).
• 255 (8%) had a delayed discharge.
• The largest proportion (28%) were aged between 25-34 (925).
• The lowest proportion (6%) were aged under 18 (195).
• 68% were male (2,245) and 32% were female (1,045).

Findings based on ward stays data:

• There were 3,245 ward stays reported for the end of the period.
• The largest group of inpatients were in a adult mental health ward (1,580, 49%), followed by a learning disabilities ward (920, 28%). 
• 2,045 (63%) were in a non-secure setting². 1,145 (35%) were in a secure setting.
• 440 (14%) travelled over 50km from home to get to the hospital for care or treatment.
• 685 patients were restrained at least once.

¹ These include all open referrals without a hospital spell associated with them if the inpatient did not need to stay overnight in hospital.

² Non-secure wards include inpatients in general wards. Secure wards include patients in low, medium and high secure ward settings.