Too many with intellectual disabilities in hospital, says group

P.E.I. needs to develop a housing strategy for people with intellectual disabilities, says the advocacy group Partners for Change.

The group says it met with Community Services Minister Valerie Docherty a year ago and asked for a strategy, but hasn't heard back.

Group member Twilah Stone told CBC News a recent report on Hillsborough Hospital confirms what they already knew, that adults with intellectual disabilities are living in the hospital when they should be out in the community.

Hillsborough Hospital is a hospital. It's a place where people go when they're unwell, said Stone.

Unfortunately there are people in there who are no longer fitting that definition. Yet there doesn't seem to be any place for them to go, there doesn't seem to be any commitment to plan for a better alternative.

A spokesperson with the Department of Community Services said while there's no housing strategy in the works, government is conducting a review of community care.

A consultant's report on Hillsborough Hospital found half the facility's beds are occupied by people who shouldn't be at the hospital but have nowhere else to go.

The report said that's taking up resources that should go toward mental health treatment.