Learning Disability Services Monthly Statistics, AT: July 2023, MHSDS: May 2023 Final

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

• There were 3,285 people with learning disabilities and/ or autistic spectrum disorders (LDA) in hospital.
• There were 1,130 admissions and 1,295 discharges. 80% of these were discharged back into the community.
• There were 348,650 referrals¹ for people with LDA.

Of these inpatients:

• 1,055 (32%) had been in hospital for over 2 years.
• There are  615 inpatients with a planned discharge date (19%).
• 230 (7%) had a delayed discharge.
• The largest proportion (28%) were aged between 25-34 (935).
• The lowest proportion (6%) were aged under 18 (180).
• 68% were male (2,250) and 31% were female (1,030).

Findings based on ward stays data:

• There were 3,225 ward stays reported for the end of the period.
• The largest group of inpatients were in a adult mental health ward (1,590, 45%), followed by a learning disabilities ward (915, 28%). 
• 2,000 (62%) were in a non-secure setting². 1,165 (36%) were in a secure setting.
• 455 (14%) travelled over 50km from home to get to the hospital for care or treatment.
• 695 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.