Scottish Mental Health Minister has been called on to launch
an independent review of individuals with autism or learning
difficulties who are locked up long-term.
made the request following the launch
of a similar review by the UK Minister for Health and Social
Care, MP.
Mr Burnett has identified a string on similarities of
ill-treatment featured in last week’s BBC Panorama ‘Undercover
Hospital Abuse Scandal’ programme with complaints raised about
the learning disability unit in the State Hospital at Carstairs.
A recent investigation by the Care Quality Commission of the use
restraint and seclusion in the treatment of autistic and learning
disabilities inpatients also flagged grave concerns.
Among many concerning finds, the report revealed a child was
locked in solitary confinement for over 2 years, and an adult
locked for 10 years.
Mr Burnett has highlighted that the use of hospitalisation is
supposed to be a temporary measure for the purpose of
rehabilitation and around-the-clock care and treatment, which he
argues is categorically not the case in many instances.
Kyle Gibbon, an autistic patient currently housed at Carstairs
and a constituent of Mr Burnett, has been in long term hospital
placements for 13 years. During this time, he has been secluded,
sedated and acquired many injuries during staff restraints, most
notably his arm was broken in 4 places - requiring 45 stitches
and two metal plates.
Following his letter to the Minister, Mr Burnett, Scottish
Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, said:
“An immediate review of seclusion, restraint and long-term
institutionalisation of autistic and learning disabilities
patients must be launched.
“ has been made aware of the
dismissal of staff in Carstairs amid complaints that patients
were bullied and provoked.
“I have also made her aware of several other complaints which do
not reflect the rehabilitation and support that patients require
in order to be released in a timely fashion.
“It comes as no shock that recent reviews have highlighted the
need for increased community-care settings to support autistic
and learning disabilities patients.
“The minister continues to drag her heels in addressing these
fundamental issues
“It is high time she took measures to rectify the failings in
autism treatment and listened to the professionals.”
