RCN: Invest in staff training to provide care for people with learning disabilities
Published: 25 March 2009
The Royal College of Nursing has called on the Government to invest in services to prevent future tragedies relating to the care of patients with learning disabilities.
The comments came in response to the publication of the Health Service and Local Government Ombudsmen's report, Six lives: the provision of public services to people with learning disabilities. The report called for an urgent review of health and social care for people with learning disabilities.
The report was written in response to complaints brought by the charity Mencap on behalf of the families of six people with learning disabilities who died between 2003 and 2005.
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:
"It is deeply distressing to learn of the suffering endured by these six patients, which provides further impetus for the Government to invest in the necessary services so that tragedies like these do not occur again".
Specialist learning disabilities nurses provide excellent care for these patients, however, it is vital all health workers also have the necessary education and training to effectively care for people with learning disabilities. This would give all staff a greater understanding of the needs of this vulnerable group of people and their carers".
The RCN described the care given to the six patients as 'nothing short of a disgrace'.