News Release, 23 November 2005
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities welcomes the news that the Healthcare Commission is taking active steps to improve health services for people with learning disabilities.
The Commission announced today that it has decided to secure the closure of a mental health unit at St Luke’s Hospital in Norfolk. This followed an investigation, which identified serious concerns over the treatment and welfare of teenagers with learning disabilities and mental health problems. At the same time, the Commission has also announced its three year plan to improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities.
Alison Giraud-Saunders, Co-Director for the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, said:
“It is good news that the Healthcare Commission is finding out where services are not working adequately and taking positive action on their findings. We are particularly concerned at the rapid growth of services that are moving to an institutional style and take people away from their homes. We hope the Commission will encourage commissioners to look again at whether they can develop more local services.
”We also welcome the Commission’s three year plan to improve healthcare. We know that people with learning disabilities have a much higher risk of developing a range of health problems, so it is great news that the Healthcare Commission is paying particular attention to their health needs. From our work with health services we know that there are examples of good practice out there and we need to ensure services can adopt these more widely.”
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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