16 March 2009

Watchdogs reveal inadequate assesments and a lack of person-centred planning in learning disability services

A report published today (16 March 2009) by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Healthcare Commission and the Mental Health Act Commission about the commissioning of services for people with learning disabilities and complex needs, highlights inadequate assessments and person-centered planning.  

 Mark Goldring, chief executive of learning disability charity, Mencap, says:   "This report once again shows the depressing gulf between policy and practice and highlights the extent of the challenge ahead if local councils and PCTs are to deliver on the vision set out in Valuing People Now.  

 "The fact that only a minority of people with a learning disability have a person-centred plan is shocking and flies in the face of the government's move to provide personalised support. Without proper assessments and person-centred planning PCTs and local councils will fail to meet the needs and rights of people with a learning disability."  

"This report must be a wake-up call for local councils and PCTs. This report, which highlights such glaring inadequacies in support for people with a learning disability, must be acted upon and must not be left, like so many others, to gather dust."  

To see the reports for the nine areas involved in the review, go to the Healthcare Commission website

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