Long Leys Court learning disability inpatient unit to close due to concerns over quality of care

Long Leys Court, a learning disability inpatient unit in Lincoln, has been temporarily closed due to concerns over the quality of care being provided.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), alongside South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) took the decision because they believed it is in the best interests of people with a learning disability, who often have complex needs and for whom they have a duty to ensure that the care they receive is of the highest quality.

There had been a number of serious incidents at the unit recently, and despite intensive action and support from within the Trust and externally, the Trust’s board of directors and commissioners did not feel that the unit can currently provide sufficiently high quality care for patients.

In a written statement, Dr John Brewin, chief executive of LPFT, said the trust and CCG apologised to the patients, carers and families affected by the decision.

“The Trust and CCG 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,” he said.

“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.”

While the unit is closed, a revised service model will be put in place, 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.

LDT Editor

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