Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability Mencap, says:  

“Scrapping vital NHS targets for people with a learning disability is a dangerous step backwards and could have serious consequences. Access to healthcare for the 1.3 million people with a learning disability in England is a basic human right.  

"This risks widening the already shocking gap in life expectancy. These targets were put in place to address the significant inequalities faced by people with a learning disability, who on average die up to 23 years earlier than the general population, with 42% of these deaths being avoidable.  Measures taken in recent years, including the Annual Health check , have improved life expectancy by a year.
We know the NHS is facing a huge challenge to bring down waiting times. But jeopardising initiatives designed to tackle health inequalities is not the way to do it – and is a false economy. The NHS exists for everyone.

"We would be open to working with NHS and Government on different approaches and will do whatever it takes to improve health outcomes, but we cannot stand by and see important measures being removed without any alternative approach.  Today’s decision could cause irreparable harm and Mencap will unapologetically continue its work to ensure the 1.3 million people with a learning disability in England have the equal access to healthcare they deserve.”  

-ENDS-          
 

For further information or to arrange an interview with a Mencap spokesperson or case study , 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 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 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 ) 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.