Welsh campaigners say new law could free dozens from inappropriate units and save up to £14m a year

THE NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY CYMRU is urging the next Welsh Government to introduce an Autism and Learning Disability Bill to prevent autistic people being unnecessarily detained in mental health hospitals, warning the current system is both harmful and costly.

Around 140 autistic people and people with a learning disability from Wales are currently being held in mental health units, despite campaigners saying such settings are unsuitable for most.

Families and advocates report repeated concerns including abuse, overmedication, excessive restraint and solitary confinement.

The charity says many people remain detained for years rather than months, with the average stay approaching five years. Placements are often far from home, leaving relatives facing long journeys to visit loved ones and making it harder to maintain family support.

Campaigners argue that failures in existing laws and weak duties on public bodies mean families struggle to challenge decisions or secure appropriate community care.

Community care cheaper

The organisation says keeping people in hospital is also significantly more expensive than supporting them locally.

Community support can cost from around £13,000 a year for those living with friends or family, rising to about £80,000 for supported accommodation. By contrast, the average inpatient placement costs about £214,000 per person each year.

Even the most intensive community packages are estimated to be between £130,000 and £200,000 cheaper annually than hospital care.

If the number of people in hospital units were halved, the charity says Wales could save between £9 million and £14 million a year.

However, it argues those savings will not be realised without new legislation to reform how services are planned and delivered.

‘Stolen lives’

Through its Stolen Lives campaign, families have shared accounts of relatives who they believe could have remained in the community with the right support, but were instead sectioned when local services broke down.

The charity says hospital should be a last resort, not the default when care systems fail.

It is calling for a dedicated Autism and Learning Disability Act that would:

– strengthen legal rights to support
– improve coordination between services
– increase accountability when systems fail

James Radcliffe, External Affairs Manager for the charity in Wales, said: “The next Welsh government has the opportunity to end the unnecessary detention of autistic people. Currently existing laws are failing to protect autistic people.

“Families are unable to challenge services to allow them to bring their loved ones home.

“An Autism and Learning Disability Bill could end this injustice and end this human rights failure. It would strengthen the protections and rights for autistic people and people with a learning disability and it would also save the taxpayer millions.”

With waiting lists ever increasing and appointments seemingly booked up forever, more and more people are seeking alternative methods to get the medical care they need. While going private is an option for some, for others, the costs are simply too high, treatments are not specialised enough, or waiting lists remain lengthy. This is why many people are starting to go abroad for their treatment needs. So, with that in mind, let’s explore why overseas medical care has grown in popularity. 

Shorter wait times 

In 2024, more than 500,000 Britons chose to get treated abroad to avoid lengthy wait times on the NHS, more than double compared to numbers reported in 2021. With waiting lists continuously on the rise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to get the treatment they need when they need it. The result is more and more people heading overseas to receive the right medical care. 

Lower costs

The expense of going private in the UK versus going private abroad is significant. For example a hip replacement in the UK costs around £12,000 to £18,000 privately, but will cost around £1,600 to £5,000 in India. These reduced expenses make medical care more accessible to those on lower incomes, increasing the appeal of overseas medical care. 

Specialised treatments or experimental therapies

Some countries have dedicated more time and effort into certain health conditions than others. For example many people seek epilepsy treatment in Germany, thanks to the country’s reputation for advanced investment into the condition. 

Some tests, treatments, and experimental therapies aren’t available in the UK, causing people to venture further afield to make progress with their health. 

Easier access to information

Thanks to technology like the internet and social media, it’s now easier than ever to research practices, facilities, and treatment options in different countries. Those who are dubious about going abroad for medical treatment, can now get the reassurance they need to go ahead. 

And it’s not just the treatment itself, but the travel and accommodation, too. It’s never been easier to compare prices for airplane tickets, hotels, and transfers, making the entire process straightforward. 

What does the future of medical care look like?

It’s evident that for Brits, going overseas is becoming increasingly popular. As NHS wait times and private costs increase, the appeal of treatment overbroad will likely continue to rise. 

MAJOR refurbishment work has begun at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Glangwili Hospital after more than £2 million in funding was secured from the Welsh Government.

The £2.096m investment will be used to overhaul the hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, creating extra consultation rooms, a redesigned reception, and a more comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

Health chiefs say the expanded unit will help reduce pressure on the hospital’s busy Emergency Department by allowing more people to be treated quickly without needing an overnight stay.

The project forms part of wider efforts to improve urgent and emergency care across the health board’s sites, including the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Keith Jones, Director of Operational Planning and Performance for the health board, said the funding would increase capacity and speed up patient flow.

He said: “This investment will help us reduce pressure on the Emergency Department and provide a smoother, swifter experience for patients. We’re grateful to Welsh Government for the support.”

Services temporarily relocated

While the work takes place, several services have moved elsewhere on the hospital site.

The SDEC unit, Discharge Lounge and Medical Day Unit have relocated to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward.

The Cancer Information and Support Service and Cancer Psychological Support Service have also moved, although contact details remain unchanged.

Some clinics, including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy, will stay at the Priory Day Hospital, but patients may need to use different access routes.

Patients are being notified through appointment letters, and extra signage will be in place around the hospital. Staff are urging visitors to check their letters carefully or contact departments directly if unsure where to attend.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said the upgrade would help tackle overcrowding and delays.

He said: “This investment will reduce waits, ease handover pressures and improve the overall experience for patients and staff when they need urgent or emergency care.”

Work is expected to continue over the coming months.