Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, says:
"Government has an opportunity to achieve transformational improvements for the NHS, starting with this important consultation process.
"On average, people with a learning disability die up to 23 years younger than the general population. For this unacceptable inequality to be addressed, the needs of people with a learning disability have to be reflected in plans for the health service.
"The COVID Inquiry hearings on healthcare have shown the horrific consequences for disabled people when their care is seen as an 'afterthought' - it resulted in traumatic experiences for people with a learning disability and their loved ones, and at worst, untimely and preventable deaths.
"Better communication with patients; more specialised training for staff; access to the reasonable adjustments needed for a positive patient experience; an increase in the dwindling number of specialist Learning Disability Nurses; and a reset on outdated and dangerous assumptions about the lives of people with learning disabilities. These are just some of the vital changes we already know will deliver improvement.
"We will continue to work with people with a learning disability to ensure that their views, and those of their families and carers, are heard at every opportunity so that the NHS becomes truly fit for purpose."
- ENDS -
For further information or to arrange an
interview
An interview is a meeting where you talk to someone or a group of people about something. When you have an interview for a job, you have to answer questions and say why you would be good at the job. The person who gives the best answers is offered the job.
with a Mencap
spokesperson
A spokesperson is someone who speaks up about something. They usually speak up on behalf of a group or
organisation
An organisation are a group of people who work together.
.
or
case study
A case study is a piece of writing that tells people more information about someone's experience.
, please contact Mencap’s media team on: media@mencap.org.uk or 02076965414 (including out of hours).
Notes to editors:
About Mencap:
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health, social care and
employment
Employment means having a job.
opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect.
With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up to date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.