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

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

• There were 3,255 people with learning disabilities and/ or autistic spectrum disorders (LDA) in hospital.
• There were 1,160 admissions and 1,285 discharges. 78% of these were discharged back into the community.
• There were 362,635 referrals¹ for people with LDA.

Of these inpatients:

• 1,030 (32%) had been in hospital for over 2 years.
• There are 620 inpatients with a planned discharge date (19%).
• 235 (7%) had a delayed discharge.
• The largest proportion (28%) were aged between 25-34 (920).
• The lowest proportion (6%) were aged under 18 (185).
• 68% were male (2,215) and 32% were female (1,025).

Findings based on ward stays data:

• There were 3,180 ward stays reported for the end of the period.
• The largest group of inpatients were in a adult mental health ward (1,565, 49%), followed by a learning disabilities ward (875, 28%). 
• 1,965 (62%) were in a non-secure setting². 1,120 (35%) were in a secure setting.
• 430 (14%) travelled over 50km from home to get to the hospital for care or treatment.
• 565 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.