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Briefing on the findings of the confidential inquiry into the premature deaths of people with a learning disability: executive summary
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 12
- Place of publication:
- London
The Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with a learning disability was commissioned by the Department of Health in 2010 to look at deaths of people with a learning disability. On March 20th 2013, the Confidential Inquiry published the findings of its two year investigation. In total, the Inquiry examined the factors leading up to the deaths of 247 people with a learning disability in the South West of England. As expected, the Inquiry found evidence that showed people with a learning disability are still not receiving equal healthcare in all NHS settings. The Inquiry found that 37% would have been potentially avoidable if good quality healthcare had been provided. The most common reasons for premature deaths were problems with investigating and assessing the cause of illness and delays or problems with treatment. Whilst a number of recommendations are made as to what can be done to improve healthcare for people with a learning disability and reduce the number of premature deaths, the key call from the Inquiry is for a continued mortality review for people with a learning disability at a national and local level. (Edited publisher abstract)
Short breaks support is failing family carers: reviewing progress 10 years on from Mencap's first Breaking Point report
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 49
- Place of publication:
- London
Updates the findings of an earlier Mencap report to investigate whether recent policy initiatives have improved the availability and provision of short breaks provision for people caring for family members learning disabilities. It also examines the extent to which cuts to central and local budgets have impacted on services. A total of 264 family carers responded to a survey on short breaks provision and caring. Freedom of Information requests were also sent to 152 local authorities in England that provide social services. The survey found that 8 out of 10 family carers have reached breaking point due to the lack of short breaks. Families also felt that services they were not having regular assessments and that services were not meeting their needs. The lack of access to short breaks has also a serious impact on family carers, such as stress or having to give up work. The report includes quotes from family carers who responded to the survey. Recommendations are also made for local authorities, central government and service providers. (Original abstract)