Health Needs of People with Learning Disability
The Scottish Government is seeking to address the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities. These inequalities were outlined in a Health Needs Assessment report published in 2004.
The Scottish Government's work to reduce the health inequalities of people with learning disabilities is focussed on health promotion as well as improving access to general health services. Work to date has included a seminar for Chief Executives and Directors of Nursing to highlight how Scotland can improve the quality of general hospital services for people with learning disabilities.
The Ministerial Taskforce on Health Inequalities has published a report Equally Well , which identifies a number of recommendations specific to people with learning disabilities. The same as you? national implementation group will help to inform how these recommendations are implemented across Scotland.
The Scottish Government is offering funding to NHS Boards for a change programme to address the significant health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities and people with autism spectrum disorders and to develop health promotion activities that are accessible to this group. A learning network has been set up to ensure a broad range of activity and avoid unnecessary duplication. NHS Education for Scotland will also support our activities in relation to education and practice development.