Latest News - February 2009

Medical Care for Patients With Learning Difficulties

The government is investigating the standard of medical treatment received by patients with learning difficulties. A 2007 report by Mencap, Death by Indifference, mentioned six cases where patients had died because NHS staff failed to appreciate their medical needs.

A further report in 2008 by an independent expert found “convincing evidence” that people with learning difficulties received less effective medical treatment than the population as a whole. Problems highlighted include failure to diagnose, failure to relieve pain and failure to listen to parents and carers.

The government has already promised to improve NHS staff training in this area. It will also fund GPs to provide annual health checks for the learning disabled, who will also be entitled to personal health action plans.

If someone you know with learning difficulties is unable to obtain treatment or has suffered harm as a result of not being treated, we can advise on what legal action might be taken to enforce their rights. We can also advise on how to claim damages for disability discrimination.

To find out more about how we can help you, please contact Maxwell Gillott Solicitors.