CQC Backs DHSC's Drive to Improve Staff Training For Those Supporting People With Learning Disabilities

The government has announced a series of measures to address the inequality of life expectancy between people with learning disabilities and the wider population.  Proposals will be consulted on with views being sought from people who have experience of learning disabilities, NHS and social care providers and the general public.

Plans for increased awareness training for health and care staff who work with people with learning disabilities are at the heart of the proposals and could cover:

• relevant legislation
• making adjustments to the way care is provided
• how to provide care that helps people reach their full potential

The measures recognise a need for better awareness among health and care staff about making reasonable adjustments to the way that care or information is provided to people with learning disabilities.

Other measures announced include:

• sharing the learning from the named social worker pilot, which explored one-to-one support for people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs
• plans for a long-term study of the impact of integrated community support for people with learning disabilities
• testing and developing a quality-of-life standard for people with learning disabilities that can be used to measure the effectiveness of support

In response to the announcement, Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said “‎The Annual Report of the Learning Disabilities Mortality Review Programme published earlier this year laid bare the ‎wholly unacceptable situation that people with learning disabilities die, on average, 15 to 20 years sooner than people in the general population. Change is overdue and desperately needed as people with learning disabilities and their families have long been telling us.

“The Government's measures are welcome and the focus on training for health and care staff is vital. We do see lots of great practice in services but more action is required to address the many issues faced by people with learning disabilities ‎as they encounter health, care and support services – including negative, dismissive attitudes; a lack of dignity and respect; and poor understanding of their needs and wishes.

“We will continue to play our part in identifying where improvements are needed in the delivery of good, safe person-centred care as well as holding providers to account to deliver on these improvements. But everyone in health and social care, including commissioners and providers, needs to take seriously their responsibilities to work with people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, so their rights to have a happy, healthy life are properly supported."