RCN calls for more training opportunities to improve care for People with Learning Disabilities

Published: 29 July 2008

The Royal College of Nursing is today calling on the Government to take immediate action to implement the recommendations of an Independent Inquiry to improve the delivery of care for people with learning disabilities.

Commenting on Sir Jonathan Michael’s Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities report, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“The report found clear evidence that people with learning disabilities had received ad-hoc and poorer healthcare services due to a lack of understanding and awareness from practitioners, trusts and Government.

“The Independent Inquiry recommended that all healthcare staff undergo 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.

“It also recommended an annual health check of people with learning disabilities within the healthcare system to ensure support services and staff continue to deliver quality and dignified care.

“Learning disability nurses offer a central and pivotal role in delivering and maintaining best practice. The skills and expertise these specialist nurses possess is clearly essential to ensuring the healthcare system works for everyone, no matter their disability, environment, cultural or socio-economic background.

“There is no single or simple solution. The RCN urges the Government to adopt all recommendations of the Independent Inquiry to ensure the delivery of high quality services and dignified care to people with learning disabilities.”

                                                       –   Ends –


Note to Editors

The Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities was chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael. The Independent Inquiry follows the publication of the Mencap report, Death by Indifference.

The inquiry included representations from Ms Ann Norman, Royal College of Nursing,
Mr Chris Davies CBE, Mr Len Fenwick CBE, Professor Sheila Hollins, Professor Jim Mansell, Professor John Moxham and Ms Joan Saddler OBE. In addition, Mr Paul Adeline, Ms Michelle Chinery, Ms Jackie Downer MBE, Ms Karen Flood, Mr Fahad Matabdin and Mr Michael Ratcliffe also participated in the inquiry.
 
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.