Scotland’s mental health minister is facing calls to urgently review the detention of adults with autism and other learning difficulties at Carstairs.
Kyle Gibbon, 31, who suffers from ADHD and a learning disability related to autism, has been in the state hospital almost continuously since the age of 18 despite not having any criminal convictions when he was admitted.
Mr Gibbon’s MSP, Alexander Burnett, has written to Claire Haughey and asked her to launch a wider independent review into cases like Mr Gibbon’s to ensure “temporary” hospitalisation does not become long-term.
Majority of under-18s sectioned under mental health laws have autism
It comes following a recent investigation by the Care Quality Commission of the widespread use of restraint and seclusion in the treatment of autistic and learning disabilities inpatients flagged “grave concerns”.
Among the findings, the report revealed a child was locked in solitary confinement for more than two years, and an adult was in the same situation for 10 years.
Mr Burnett said: “Clare Haughey has been made aware of the dismissal of staff in Carstairs amid complaints that patients were bullied and provoked.
“I have also made her aware of several other complaints which do not reflect the rehabilitation and support that patients require in order to be released in a timely fashion.
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“It comes as no shock that recent reviews have highlighted the need for increased community-care settings to support autistic and learning disabilities patients.
“The minister continues to drag her heels in addressing these fundamental issues
“It is high time she took measures to rectify the failings in autism treatment and listened to the professionals.”
During his stay at the psychiatric hospital, Mr Gibbon has been living alongside rapists and murders, which his mum believes has had a damaging impact on his mental health.
He has also endured a number of hardships, including one occasion when his arm was broken while he was being restrained – leaving him with 45 staples and two metal plates.
The Scottish Government has said that legislation is currently being reviewed to assess whether new measures are required to fulfill “the distinct needs” of people like Mr Gibbon.
A spokeswoman added: “A recent report from the Mental Welfare Commission noted that patients at the State Hospital were receiving good care and treatment, and were being treated respectfully by staff. The hospital has put in place an action plan to address the recommendations outlined in the report.”
