National audit on services for people with learning disabilities long overdue

4.12.47pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 17th Jan 2007

Commenting on the Healthcare Commission report on Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust's service to people with a learning disability, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Sandra Gidley MP said:

"This report on a local case powerfully underlines the message that a national audit on services for people with learning disabilities is long overdue.

"We need to know the state of play in this often neglected sector, to ensure that people with learning disabilities have access to nothing but the best care. Learning disability services have long been ignored in terms of investment and up to date practise.

"We have a duty to supply some of the most vulnerable people in our society with facilities to ensure their privacy and dignity, and support them in living independent lives."