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Publication, Part of

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

Official statistics, Experimental statistics

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Summary findings from MHSDS

MHSDS main findings

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

  • There were 3,300 people with learning disabilities and/ or autistic spectrum disorders (LDA) in hospital.
  • There were 1,100 admissions and 1,245 discharges. 78% of these were discharged back into the community.
  • There were 336,035 referrals¹ for people with LDA.

Of these inpatients:

  • 1,070 (32%) had been in hospital for over 2 years.
  • There are  615 inpatients with a planned discharge date (19%).
  • 250 (8%) had a delayed discharge.
  • The largest proportion (29%) were aged between 25-34 (945).
  • The lowest proportion (6%) were aged under 18 (190).
  • 68% were male (2,245) and 32% were female (1,045).

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 (920, 28%). 
  • 1,975 (61%) were in a non-secure setting². 1,190 (37%) were in a secure setting.
  • 455 (14%) travelled over 50km from home to get to the hospital for care or treatment.
  • 660 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.


Last edited: 20 July 2023 9:31 am