Website of the Department of Health

Signposts for success in commissioning and providing health services for people with learning disabilities

This is a summary of an extensive consultation, undertaken with people with learning disabilities, carers and professionals to inform on good practice. Good practice relies on such issues as shared values and responsibilities, good quality information and effective training and development. Good practice also includes ensuring respect of the rights of people with learning disabilities, encouraging the use of personal health records, offering guidance and showing commitment to quality improvement. In general health services, people with learning disabilities must have equal rights of access to flexible and responsive services, such as specialised dental clinics. Specialist health services for children and their families, for people with epilepsy and for people with both learning and physical or sensory disabilities are all outlined. The future role of the NHS in deinstitutionalising people with learning disabilities is examined, looking at specific issues which often arise. No electronic downloadable version of this document is available.