I am pleased to enclose a summary briefing on the campaign for the completion of hospital resettlement in Wales for people with learning disabilities (Annex 1). On 31 January 1999, Ely Hospital in Cardiff officially closed, bringing to an end a 16 year process. Residents remain at three large hospitals: Bryn-y-Neuadd near Llanfairfechan, Hensol near Pontyclun and Llanfrechfa Grange near Cwmbran.

  The campaign is being directed by a resettlement task force, convened at the request of the Management Committee of SCOVO. It includes representation from Mencap in Wales, the All Wales Parents and Carers Forum, advocates and advocacy organisations and First Choice Housing Association.

  We trust that members of the committee will be concerned about what is the longest waiting list in Wales.

Mr J G Crowe
Director

15 March 1999