Next government must end inappropriate use of inpatient settings, says VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) is calling on the next government to end the inappropriate use of inpatient settings following consistent failures to meet targets.

The latest government target set out to halve the number of autistic people and people with learning disabilities in assessment and treatment units (ATUs) by March 2024. This target was missed and the number of autistic people living in these inpatient settings has actually increased by 116% since 2015.

Rhidian Hughes, VODG Chief Executive, says the current system is not fit for purpose and this scandal should now become a ‘national priority’.

Turning proposed solutions into action

In a new position paper, the VODG has set out ‘practical, affordable solutions’ that third sector organisations can deliver. This includes:

1. Challenging registration and ratings: The VODG says many ATUs are detaining people for years on end – despite their purpose being to assess, treat and then discharge – yet they are still rated ‘Good’ by the CQC. The group says it is now time to challenge these ratings and ensure people only stay in ATUs for short periods of time.
2. Re-think procurement: Currently, huge amounts of money are being spent on keeping people locked up in ATUs. The VODG says the government must now invest in prevention teams, community-based services and skilled staff to keep people close to families and friends.
3. Co-ordinate collective action: The VODG, VoiceAbility, The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, Mencap and The British Association of Social Workers are all calling to end the use of inappropriate detentions, but the group says there needs to be further co-ordinated collective action to bring pressure to bear on the Government.

The VODG acknowledge that they are not the first organisation to propose evidence and solutions to this national scandal, but they highlight that despite all the reports, papers and specifications (often saying the same thing), very little action has been taken.

They highlight that there is not a shortage of ideas about what to do; the knowledge and expertise to achieve change exists, and what we need now is collective action.

Proposals to end inappropriate use of inpatient settings ‘falling on deaf ears’

Rhidian Hughes, VODG Chief Executive, says it is now the next Government’s responsibility to ensure the right levers and provision is in place to end the inappropriate use of inpatient settings.

She said: “VODG has been engaged in demonstrating the practical solutions that third sector providers can offer for over a decade, but it is falling on deaf ears. This combined body of member expertise underlines what we know, which is that most people currently detained in ATUs could be successfully supported in community services. Often, this support will turn out to be cheaper over time than an ATU placement. The knowledge and expertise to achieve this exists.”

“2024 marks another chapter in a national scandal that should become a national priority. We need a government willing to act, not just agree that something needs to be done. We have offered practical, affordable solutions that expert third sector organisations can deliver, yet year-after-year thousands of vulnerable people in the UK remain unnecessarily locked away. The current system is not fit for purpose and the impact of this is unconscionable.”