News Release, 1 June 2007
Following the announcement by the Department of Health to establish an inquiry into access for healthcare for people with learning disabilities, Alison Giraud-Saunders, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities said:
“We know that people with learning disabilities have a much higher risk of developing a range of health problems and so this inquiry is desperately needed. While there are small pockets of good practice, progress needs to be made to improve access to acute and wider healthcare services for people with learning disabilities across the board.”
Patricia Charlesworth, who has a learning disability and is a member of the Advisory Group to the charity, said:
“The current inequality is unfair, in the twenty-first century people with learning disabilities should have the same rights as everybody else. People with learning disabilities are not even receiving regular checks for breast, cervical or testicular cancers. Medical conditions that are life threatening are not being picked up, leading to people dying early.”
Note to editors
For further information please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1130 / 1128 or email 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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