RCN responds to learning disabilities report
Published: 24 March 2009
Commenting on the Six lives: the provision of public services to people with learning disabilities report published by the Health Service and Local Government Ombudsmen, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), 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 standard of care afforded to these patients was nothing short of a disgrace."
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Notes to Editors
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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, healthcare assistants 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.