News Release, 12 March 2007
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities today welcomed the Government’s announcement to hold an independent inquiry into the deaths of six people with learning disabilities. The announcement comes after the publication of the report, ‘Death by indifference’, by the charity Mencap, which says the deaths occurred because of “institutional discrimination”.
Dr. Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, said:
“We have recently learnt of the abuse experienced by people with learning disabilities in NHS settings in Cornwall and Sutton and Merton, so sadly Mencap’s findings come as no surprise. We know that neglect like this does exist in many parts of the country.
“The Department of Health’s decision to launch an inquiry into the standards of care for people with learning disabilities is a welcome one, but to what extent this will simply echo the Healthcare Commission’s current investigation and the Disability Rights Commission’s recent report is not clear. We need action to improve the care of people with learning disabilities, not continuous investigations.
“A particular priority is to improve the physical healthcare of people with learning disabilities by helping them to access good quality mainstream services.”
Ends
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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