Published on: 5th June 2015
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), alongside South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), have taken the decision to temporarily close the learning disability inpatient unit at Long Leys Court in Lincoln, due to concerns surrounding the quality of care being provided.
We would like to apologise to the patients, carers and families who may be affected by this decision and reassure everyone that this decision has not been taken lightly. Both the Trust and Commissioners share the view that this temporary closure is in the best interests of people with a learning disability, who often have complex needs and for whom we have a duty to ensure that the care they receive is of the highest quality.
There have been a number of serious incidents at the unit recently which have highlighted concerns. Despite intensive action and support from within the Trust and externally, the Trust’s Board of Directors and Commissioners do not feel that the unit can currently provide sufficiently high quality care for patients.
Both the Trust and CCG, have jointly decided that all new admissions should cease with immediate effect and that once all existing patients have been discharged or transferred to alternative services, either in the community or in alternative residential settings, the unit should be closed temporarily.
The Trust will be working closely with patients, carers and their families to do everything possible to make the transition from the inpatient unit at Long Leys Court, to either the community or another service, as smooth as possible.
The Trust and Commissioners have been working closely for some time to ensure that people with a learning disability are only admitted to an inpatient unit when absolutely necessary. This work known nationally as “Transforming Care” has meant that a significant number of people who received treatment in an inpatient unit have been supported to move to much less restrictive environments more quickly and are now able to enjoy greater independence. This has significantly reduced the demand in Lincolnshire for inpatient care. This temporary closure will enable a revised service model to be put in place for the future, with a greater emphasis on community provision and less dependence on bed based care.
LPFT runs a number of community services for people with learning disabilities at Long Leys Court, including Community Assertive Support; these services will not be affected by this temporary closure.
Dr John Brewin
Chief Executive, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
