Matt Hancock facing legal challenge over 'repeated failures' in autism care - UK

Equality and Human Rights Commission takes first legal step over the 'inappropriate inpatient care' of more than 2,000 people

Extract from article by Paul Gallagher in the i newspaper on Wednesday, 12th February 2020:

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is facing legal action over the "repeated failure" to give people with learning difficulties and autism the appropriate accommodation.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has taken the first step towards mounting a legal challenge over the "inappropriate inpatient care" of more than 2,000 people. It has sent a pre-action letter to Mr Hancock, arguing that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has breached the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

The body says the department has failed to meet NHS targets to move patients to community-based settings, and to reduce the reliance on inpatient care of people with learning disabilities and autism. An inquiry into the often long-term detention of young people with learning disabilities or autism is ongoing...

Read the article: https://inews.co.uk/news/health/matt-hancock-failures-autism-care-legal-challenge-1494887

For some background, see: A teen with autism is locked in solitary confinement and being fed through a hatch. Have we really moved on from Bedlam? (UK)