The Department of Health today published statistics on inpatients and compulsory admissions in mental health and learning disability hospitals in Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2019.
![mental health and learning disability statistics](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/health/news/mental-health-statistics-image.png?itok=j96xHqqx×tamp=1566297655)
Key Points
Mental Illness and Learning Disability Census
- On 17 February 2019, 615 patients were being treated as inpatients in mental health hospitals in Northern Ireland. Almost four fifths (79.8%, 491) had been resident in the hospital for less than six months, whilst 10 (1.6%) had been resident for 10 years or more (Table 1.2).
- Between 2015 and 2019, the number of patients being treated as inpatients in mental health hospitals decreased by 68 (10.0%), from 683 to 615 (Table 1.1).
- Almost three fifths (57.6%, 354) of the 615 occupied beds in mental health hospitals on 17 February 2019 were acute beds (Table 1.3).
Compulsory Admissions
- Over the last five years, the number of compulsory admissions to mental health hospitals under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 increased by 119 (12.1%), from 987 in 2014/15 to 1,106 in 2018/19 (Table 1.4)
- During 2018/19, the highest number of compulsory admissions was recorded in the 18 to 44 years age group (504, 45.6%) (Table 1.5)
Learning Disability
Mental Illness and Learning Disability Census
- On 17 February 2019, 96 patients were being treated as inpatients in learning disability hospitals in Northern Ireland. Over one fifth (21.9%, 21) had been resident in the hospital for less than six months, whilst 15 (15.6%) had been resident for 10 years or more (Table 2.2).
- Between 2015 and 2019, the number of patients being treated as inpatients in learning disability hospitals decreased by 48 (33.3%), from 144 to 96 (Table 2.1).
- Half (50.0%, 48) of the 96 occupied beds in learning disability hospitals were assessment and treatment beds at 17 February 2019 (Table 2.3).
Compulsory Admissions
- Between 2014/15 and 2018/19, the number of compulsory admissions to learning disability hospitals under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 decreased by 23 (39.7%), from 58 to 35 (Table 2.4).
- During 2018/19, three fifths (60.0%, 21) of compulsory admissions involved patients aged between 18 and 44 years of age (Table 2.5).
Notes to editors:
1. The information release is published on the Departmental website.
2. The information detailed in this publication is collected from the following statistical returns provided by HSC Trusts, Hospitals:
- KH15 and KH15b – Admissions under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986; and,
- MILD Census – Inpatients resident in Mental Health / Learning Disability Hospitals on 17 February each year.
3. Historically this statistical information, including detailed commentary, was published as the ‘Hospital Statistics: Mental Health and Learning Disability’ publication. However, following a National Statistics Consultation in October 2015, it was agreed to discontinue this publication and replace it with a set of downloadable EXCEL data tables (no commentary).
4. The downloadable EXCEL tables present information on (i) compulsory admissions under the 1986 Mental Health (NI) Order and (ii) a census of mental illness and learning disability inpatients resident in hospital on 17 February.
5. Information on inpatient, day case and consultant-led outpatient activity for the mental health and learning disability specialties, previously detailed in the ‘Hospital Statistics: Mental Health and Learning Disability’ publication, has already been published for 2018/19 in:
Hospital Statistics: Inpatient and Day Case Activity Statistics (2018/19)
Hospital Statistics: Outpatient Activity Statistics (2018/19)
6. All information has been validated with Health and Social Care Trusts, and incorporates all returns and amendments received up to 9 August 2019.
Further information on Mental Health and Learning Disability Statistics is available from:
Hospital Information Branch
Department of Health
Annexe 2, Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SQ
Email: hib.questions@health-ni.gov.uk
7. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office 028 9052 0575 or email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. Out-of-hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
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