Woodland View ward to close after ‘falling short of standards’

Consultant clinical psychologist Prof Andy McDonnell told the BBC the proposal to move Fraser with four weeks’ notice was “nonsensical”.

He said a plan to put him with agency workers until a care team can be recruited was “insane” because to a patient they are just “a bunch of strangers”.

Prof McDonnell, who is a director of Studio Three, a company which specialises in transitioning people with complex needs out of hospital, said the proposals on offer for Fraser had all the hallmarks of a “botched transition”, with a high likelihood of people getting injured.

He said transitioning people with autism, who are often suffering from complex trauma or PTSD as well, needed to be very carefully planned.

“In my experience, the first year can be quite rocky for a lot of people,” Prof McDonnell said.

Lawyer Claire Currie, who represents the Malcolm family, said the timeframe for the ward closure was “unprecedented”.

She said: “I am aware that some of the patients have not left the ward in months, if not years.

“Sadly, they consider that environment their home.

“I am very concerned for any individuals who may be suddenly moved without transition planning or proper preparation.”