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Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ report on the detention of children and young people with learning disabilities and autism 

“It is clear from this report that we have a long way to go to ensure that everyone with a learning disability or autism receives the high quality care they and their families should expect. We must be prepared to work hard and with regulators and government to get there, including welcoming sensible changes in the regulatory system.

“As a society we have come a long way since the Mental Health Act was drafted and we have long argued that it needs reform.

“Alongside reform of the act we need to address the paucity of community services and crisis services, as well as ensure we have the right staff in the right numbers in the right places. Also, we need to broaden our outlook beyond the NHS to areas such as care services and housing to make sure the whole public sector is working together to look after anyone who needs support.”

Report:  Human rights of many people with a learning disability and/or autism are being breached in mental health hospitals