Specialist learning disabilities, mental health & challenging behaviour centre closes - what you need to know
A North East specialist treatment centre for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems or severely challenging behaviour has been temporarily closed for six months. It is hoped the closure will allow for improvements to regular mental health wards.
The Rose Lodge learning disability specialist assessment and treatment unit, on Victoria Road West, in Hebburn is now closed on a temporary basis. According to a presentation to councillors from across the North East at Gateshead Civic Centre, the 10-bed unit has seen a reduction in patient stays over the last year.
Group Director Inpatient Services at Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Russell Patton also stated that there were only three patients in the unit, who were successfully discharged, before the temporary closure.
The health presentation also stated: “The reduced demand is due to increased support in the community and improved joining work between Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and our partners across the health and care system.”
Now a new team is being created, known as the Learning Disability Inreach and Transition Team. The stated aims of the team is to improve specialist learning disability support in mainstream adult mental health services, and to help with timely and successful hospital discharges, for people with learning disabilities.
A full engagement process will take place in the new year to seek views on how improvements can be made to local learning disability and autism services. The engagement will be focused on the perceived value of the new team and options for the future of specialist inpatient beds.