Around 200 people attended the event to hear Fife Council and NHS Fife’s plans for the next three years as well as the progress that has been made over the last three years, to make the lives of people with a learning disability better.

Speaking at the launch, Councillor Irene Connelly, spokesperson for care in the community said, “People with a learning disability and their families have a right to be included in decisions which affect their lives and to have access to services and support which can makes their lives better.”

The plan was developed in partnership with Fife Council, NHS Fife, people with a learning disability, their families and voluntary groups.

Re-settlement

At the launch, representatives from Fife Council and NHS Fife said they would continue with the re-settlement of Lynebank Hospital residents with a learning disability into the community, with full care and support to meet their individual needs.

Professor Jim McGoldrick, chairman of NHS Fife, added, “Together with our partners, we are committed to meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities within community settings.

“Prior to the further transfer of residents from Lynebank Hospital into their own homes in the community, NHS and council staff at Lynebank are involving residents and their families.

“The consequences of further transfers to the community necessitates internal moves within the hospital and every effort is being made to minimise these moves during the transfer period.

“In addition to the support we will offer in the community through the development of community nursing teams working with social work colleagues, we plan an in-patient service at Lynebank for people with a learning disability who require assessment and treatment in the short term.

“This work will continue as we move to the new Community Health Partnerships with health, social work and voluntary groups all working together to minimise duplication and improve the range of community services.

“Discussions are going on to progress the development of a close supervision unit, also on the Lynebank site.

“I would like to congratulate all the people who have put in so much hard work and who, I am sure, will continue to strive to remove inequalities of service to allow us to welcome people with learning disabilities into our communities.”

There are approximately 11,000 people in Fife with a learning disability, the majority of whom live in the community.

Anyone wishing a copy of the Partnership in Practice Agreement can log on to fifedirect.org.uk or contact the Say as You Project on 01592 414958.