The complex emergencies arising from Cawston Park Hospital

Purpose Three deaths at Cawston Park Hospital shed a bright light on Norfolk’s services for people with learning disabilities and autism, including those operated by the company that ran the hospital. The purpose of this paper is to review Norfolk County Council's current position from the unique aspect of a senior manager wihtin the system. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the unique perspective of a social worker from within the system. Findings The process of making change included engagement and action concerning such thorny challenges as the pressures on community services; the undervaluing of care-giving as a career; and the continuing admissions to specialist mental health services at a time when hospital discharges are being expedited. Originality/value Norfolk’s investment in improving its services involves the adoption of a human rights approach; a capital programme to facilitate new developments; nurturing care-giving as a career; and bringing a clearer evidence base to this work programme.