Scope response to the independent findings on people with learning disabilities and the NHS

In response to the independent findings that people with learning disabilities are suffering and even dying as laws to protect them are ignored by the NHS,
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of disability charity Scope, said:

“This report highlights an issue of great concern and we know that these difficulties also affect people with physical impairments.

“Too often disabled people face discrimination from within the health service for a number of reasons – from ignorance about their impairment to outright prejudice. Many disabled people find that their basic needs are neglected or ignored.

“It is high time that the NHS provides compulsory disability equality training for all its staff so that the individual needs of disabled people are recognised and respected. Disabled people, whatever their impairment, have a right to the same quality of care as everyone else when seeking medical treatment and should be able to approach medical services with complete confidence.”