Press Release
NHS reforms to tackle health inequalities and the call for an inquiry into deaths in hospital of people with learning disabilities
12th March 2007
DRC to respond to NHS reforms for tackling health inequalities and the call for an inquiry into deaths in hospital of people with learning disabilities
Today, the Department of Health has issued its initial response to a formal investigation by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) into tackling the deep health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems in GP and other primary care services (1). The investigation found that despite both of these groups often having the worst health they often get the worst healthcare.
Sir Bert Massie, Chairman of the DRC, said: “The DRC’s investigation revealed shocking levels of ill health amongst people with learning disabilities and those with mental health problems for some of Britain’s biggest killer health conditions - including heart problems, strokes and bowel cancer - yet many were not getting access to vital tests and treatments. The DRC will be considering the Department’s recommendations and will respond shortly.”
On the Health Secretary’s, Patricia Hewitt, announcement to set up an independent inquiry into six people with learning disabilities who died in hospital, as highlighted in a report by Mencap today, Sir Bert said:
"The report provides a grim coda to the DRC's own investigation into the treatment of people with learning disabilities in primary care services where many were not getting access to the tests and treatments to common, preventable health problems.
"The Government response in setting up its own inquiry into the poor healthcare standards is welcome. Everyone needs to be secure in the knowledge that the NHS will do all it can to treat you. That certainty of equality of treatment must be there for disabled people as much as it is for others."
For more information contact Sue Pratt, DRC Press Office, on 020 7543 7042 or 07971 590 002.
Latest Press Releases
- Ashley private members bill completes Lords stages as Government research reveals evidence of cost benefits of independent living
- DRC calls for British pressure on EU after disability Convention adopted
- Hard-hitting commercial highlighting abuse of disabled people comes to the big screen
- Child poverty targets need disability at their heart
- NHS reforms to tackle health inequalities and the call for an inquiry into deaths in hospital of people with learning disabilities
- Government welfare reform review risks excluding one quarter of lone parents with disabled children, says DRC.
- Disability is the real challenge in supporting lone parents back to work.
- Confidence gap must close before transport investment can deliver
- Social care system ‘close to point of no return,’ DRC
- Medical steps not the answer to dealing with social care crisis, DRC.
Spread your message to an audience that counts, with options available for our website, email bulletins and publications including The House Magazine.
