Hospital patients with learning disabilities developed diabetes after being fed treats and lack of exercise
The IndependentSign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vulnerable patients who have been detained in hospitals for years developed diabetes due to a lack of exercise and an over-reliance on treats, a national NHS review has warned. NHS England looked into the care of almost 2,000 patients with learning disabilities and autism and found that the physical health of many had significantly declined during their stays because of poor care. Antipsychotics can also cause weight gain and the review found that some patients had been inappropriately prescribed antipsychotics and benzodiazepines to manage their behaviour, without any “clear rationale” for it. Following the Winterbourne View scandal in 2011, which saw horrific abuse of patients at a private hospital, the government and NHS pledged to end the use of inpatient units for those with learning disability needs.
History of this topic
Sending learning disabled patients to private hospitals increases risk of abuse, NHS warned
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Sick and disabled people being assessed by doctors who have never spoken to them
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Children with learning disabilities endure ‘terrible suffering’ in mental health hospitals, report finds
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