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Themed visit to hospital units for the assessment and treatment of people with learning disabilities
- Author:
- MENTAL WELFARE COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 33p.
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
There has been widespread closure of long stay hospitals for people with learning disabilities. Today, excluding forensic beds, there are fewer than 240 people in acute and longer stay assessment and treatment beds in Scotland. However it is recognised that there is a need for a small number of inpatient beds for those with specialised or complex needs which cannot be met in the community. This report presents the findings of visits from June 2011 to September 2011 to all 20 hospital units (19 NHS and 1 private hospital) for the assessment and treatment of people with learning disabilities. Information was gathered from Clinical Service Managers, staff, service users, care plans and other records, and relatives. The care and treatment of 113 people was looked at. There were 4 general areas of enquiry: health needs; rights and restrictions; quality of life; and participation and involvement. The findings were mainly positive. A number of key messages and recommendations are provided based on these findings, and areas of best practice are highlighted.
Convention of hope - communicating positive, realistic messages to families at the time of a child's diagnosis with disabilities
- Authors:
- HARNETT Alison, TIERNEY Edel, GUERIN Suzanne
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(4), December 2009, pp.257-264.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study, as part of a larger study to develop best practice recommendations for informing families of their child's disabilities, researched the elements of best practice required when communicating this news to families. Tracing the convergence between these practice recommendations and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular with regard to the provision of positive, realistic and hopeful communication, this study employed a mixed methodology involving 22 focus groups and a questionnaire survey of 1588 professionals and 584 families. Whilst the study found that the large majority of parents and professionals supported the recommendation of providing families with positive, realistic and hopeful messages at the time of diagnosis, less than half of the parents surveyed actually reported receiving communication of this type, indicating that some professionals may struggle with the fear of providing false hope, or a fear of litigation and a lack of training. However, this research also identified positive and hopeful messages that are not in conflict with providing honest and realistic communication including: acknowledging the dignity and worth of the child as an individual; indicating that there is help available for parents; and informing families about the spectrum of possible outcomes for their child rather than the worst case scenario. This provision of appropriate positive, realistic messages and hope is aligned with the principles of the UN Convention.
At whose risk? Priorities and conflicts for policy development in HIV and intellectual disability
- Author:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(2), 1997, pp.83-104.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Identifies considerations for HIV policy in services for people with intellectual disabilities and suggests standards for best practice. Evidence from research, policy development and training is examined to inform arguments about the nature, location and management of HIV risk with service and user case studies used to illustrate argument. Priorities for policy are offered and conflicts between the rights and responsibilities of individuals are explored, with discussion centred on the re-homosexualisation of HIV. Also identifies key related considerations such as legal and moral questions, policy principles and the need for coordination.
Good practice in citizen advocacy: guidelines on good practice in citizen advocacy; case studies of affiliation among advocacy groups; guidelines for recognition of citizen advocates
- Author:
- BROOKE John
- Publisher:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2002
- Pagination:
- 114p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Kidderminster
Citizen advocacy is a partnership between two people. Usually one of these is a vulnerable person, who is at risk of being ignored or not listened to. The other is an ordinary citizen who is willing to speak up for the other partner's choices and decisions. Citizen advocacy is not only for people with learning disabilities, or those with communication problems. Many vulnerable people can benefit greatly from standing side by side with a citizen advocate. Citizen advocacy is linked to active citizenship and to the defence of human rights. This can benefit the advocate, the wider community and the advocacy user.
Focus on the North West
- Author:
- JACKSON Catherine
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Care, 2(3), November 1998, pp.83-85.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
Discusses how trusts and health authorities in the North West region are breaking ground in mental health practice. The examples of good practice include user panels, treatment of personality disorder, homeless initiatives and an arts based therapy programme.