Ombudsman to examine accessibility of care for those with learning disability

The accessibility of Northern Ireland’s health trusts for those with a learning disability is set to be examined.

Public Services Ombudsman Margaret Kelly said her office’s own initiative investigation will examine whether the trusts provide effective, accessible and safe healthcare to people with a learning disability.

It has been described as a system-wide investigation which will look at how trusts record information about a person’s learning disability and how the information is used to provide them with appropriate care.

It will also look at how they are cared for when they are admitted to hospital unexpectedly, including how care plans and other assessment tools are used to meet their individual needs.

In addition, consideration will be given to how the trusts, the strategic planning and performance group, and the Public Health Agency use information from complaints, investigations, and adverse incidents involving people with a learning disability to prevent issues recurring, and to make improvements.

Ms Kelly said she is particularly concerned around cases of avoidable harm to individuals.

“Nipso (Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman) has identified concerns about the quality of health care and life expectancy for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland, from both our own case work and a range of investigations and studies,” she said.

“I am particularly concerned about cases of avoidable harm to individuals, or when someone has died because of inadequate care and treatment.”

The final report will be published and laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly.