People with learning disabilities let down by NHS, inquiry finds

Healthcare For All

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The independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities has published its findings and its recommendations have been welcomed by the NHS Confederation.

Healthcare For All says people with learning disabilities have higher levels of unmet need and receive less effective treatment, despite the Disability Discrimination Act and Mental Capacity Act setting out a clear legal framework for the delivery of equal treatment.

NHS Confederation acting chief executive Steve Barnett said: "We must get to the heart of how NHS organisations, clinicians and other staff engage with patients and vulnerable individuals. This will require a change in culture, not just policy."

For more details, go to www.iahpld.org.uk