Press Release

Action needed to highlight people with learning disabilities to the NHS

Wednesday, August 6 2008

United Response has welcomed the publication of Healthcare for All, the report of the Independent Inquiry into access for healthcare for people with learning disabilities, but has urged for the call for change to be matched by action. The report, chaired by Sir Michael, found clear evidence that people with learning disabilities have higher levels of unmet needs and receive less effective treatment than others.

Su Sayer OBE, United Response Chief Executive, said: "It is unacceptable that someone should find it harder to get good healthcare because they have a learning disability. Sir Jonathan Michael's report, along with the others that went before it highlighting poor practice and unequal treatment, presents indisputable evidence of the need for change in the NHS. What we need now is action.

"We know from our own experience that there are some excellent examples of good practice in the NHS, but, sadly, we have also witnessed ignorance, and people with learning disabilities being treated without respect or dignity.

"We need to ensure that healthcare organisations collect data so that the care of people with learning disabilities can be tracked to ensure they are no longer invisible within the NHS.

"Some actions will take time, such as mandatory training for all NHS staff. We welcome the recognition that the involvement of people with learning disabilities and their families and carers will be vital in providing and shaping training to make sure it is fit for purpose.

"Other recommendations however can and should be delivered immediately, such as involving family members and carers in a person's care and treatment as a matter of course.

"This report must not be left on a shelf to gather dust. We urge the Government to implement Sir Jonathan's recommendations as quickly as possible."