Government pledge on locked up autistic patients 'does not go far enough'
The father of an autistic teenage girl who is locked in a cell says a pledge by the Government to review the care of all young adults being held in mental health units does not go far enough.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the care of more than 2,000 people with autism and/or learning difficulties at mental health hospitals would be looked at over the next 12 months with a view to moving them to a more suitable setting.
It comes amid growing pressure on the Government to act following harrowing stories from families of patients.
Jeremy, originally from Walsall, has been one of the most prominent campaigners after blowing the whistle on his 18-year-old daughter Bethany’s plight.
She has been kept in segregation in mental health units for nearly three years. She was sectioned under the Mental Health Act because she was deemed to be a risk to herself and others.
Mr Hancock said: “For those living with learning disabilities and autistic people, the current system can leave them in isolation for long periods of time, with no prospect of release into the community.
“I am determined to put this right and today we are committing to reviewing the care of every patient with learning disability and autism over the next 12 months – alongside a clear plan to get them discharged back into their homes and communities.”
Jeremy, who can only be identified by his first name, said: “It doesn’t go far enough. There are no definites, no proper deadlines, no clarity. It is another placating response from Hancock.”
Officials from Walsall Council, Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS England apologised to Bethany last month and admitted her care was inappropriate.
Damages, believed to be substantial, were also awarded.
