The findings of the independent inquiry into access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities prove that people with a learning disability are being discriminated against in the NHS, which is leading to unnecessary pain and death.

It is imperative the Department of Health acts on the inquiry's recommendations so that these people do not continue to experience poor care and unnecessary suffering.

As inquiry chair Sir Jonathan Michael says, the policy is already in place, it is just not being acted on or, in some cases, health professionals are not even aware it exists.

Mandatory training

The inquiry dramatically shows why mandatory training and education is so important. Ignorance leads to negative attitudes towards people with a learning disability. This in turn leads to unequal treatment and a lack of dignity and respect.

Also evident in the inquiry was the fact that it is vital for NHS practitioners to work with the families and carers of people with a learning disability - those who know them best. People with a learning disability and their families and carers must be at the centre of all decisions made surrounding their healthcare.

Action and leadership are now needed if these people are to be kept safe in the health service.

Dame Jo Williams, chief executive, Mencap

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