§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many people in Northern Ireland are classified as having learning disabilities; which organisations provide support and help for these people; what steps are being taken to improve facilities included at Muckamore Abbey and Stradreagh Hospital; and whether more funding has been allocated. [HL414]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThere are 9,280 people with a learning disability in contact with health and social services trusts. In addition to statutory health and social services, there are a number of voluntary organisations, including Mencap and the Down's Syndrome Association, providing a range of support and help for these people.
RRI (Reinvestment and Reform Initiative) funding of £5.1 million has been secured to enable the first phase of the redevelopment of Muckamore Abbey Hospital to commence. This will provide for a 35-bedded specialist admissions and assessment unit and a 23-bedded specialist forensic service. RRI funding of £3.6 million has also been secured for the replacement of the current Stradreagh Hospital with a 43-bed in-patient treatment assessment unit, a 20-place challenging behaviour unit and a five-place rehabilitation unit.
Funding for the learning disability programme of care has increased from £89 million in 1998–99 to £101 million in 2001–02.