Today it's been announced that NHSE will roll out ‘Martha’s Rule’ from April to give patients and families access to a rapid review if they are worried about a condition getting worse.
Dan Scorer, Head of Policy, Public Affairs, Information and Advice at learning disability charity Mencap said:
"Martha's rule will significantly improve outcomes for people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
, who are currently 42%* more likely to die avoidably than the general population.
"Families tell us how their unique knowledge of their loved one with a learning disability is all too often ignored by medical staff, and key opportunities missed to diagnose and treat serious illness, with devastating consequences.
"Martha's Rule will support families and carers to get a vital second opinion, that could in turn, save lives.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
*https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/assets/fans-dept/leder-2022-v2.0.pdf
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 fight 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.