Agenda item

The reports are attached.

Ann O’Neil (Brent MENCAP) introduced the item and stated that changes to health services would impact significantly upon those with learning disabilities and considerable health inequalities existed.  She advised that the number with learning disabilities was increasing, particularly those with profound disabilities.  Ann O’Neil informed the committee that she had undertaken a piece of work with the council three years previously focusing on  those with learning disabilities’ health needs and a council funded health action project had operated last year which acted as a catalyst for raising relevant issues, such as the need for learning disability nurses.  As a result, two local acute learning disability nurses were to be appointed.  She stressed the importance of ensuring that both the council and NHS Brent remained accountable to learning disability needs and suggested that a focus group be created involving both patients and their carers.  Members heard that a recent national report had referred to there being 74 people with learning disabilities who had died through lack of care and this number would continue to rise if the appropriate measures were not in place.  However, Ann O’Neil added that no deaths attributed to lack of care had been recorded in Brent.

Claudia Feldner (Brent MENCAP) then informed the committee about the GP training on learning disability awareness that had been undertaken.  She advised that 104 people had attended the training and there had also been a shorter workshop that had been attended by 30 GPs.  Claudia Feldner commented that most felt that they had benefitted from the training and that it had provided a theoretical background as to how to improve communications between staff and people with learning disability.  Staff had indicated that they felt that further training should be provided, whilst others had expressed interest in attending training, but had been unable to due to being unable to get the necessary time away from their post.  The acute sector had adopted an action plan to undertake a number of measures to improve the healthcare experience for those with learning disabilities, including improved signage and it had also been suggested that ‘hospital passports’ be introduced.  Brent MENCAP had also participated in Obesity Strategy Group meetings to advise on the learning disability element.  Furthermore, Brent MENCAP would also be encouraging those with learning disabilities to take a greater part in consultation and to contribute to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).  Claudia Feldner advised that Brent MENCAP had received funding to help with the Annual Health Check Day.

Ann O’Neil then suggested that the committee closely monitor changes, particularly in respect of learning disability nurses and the role of acute liaison officers. She felt that the action plan should be reported to the committee on an annual basis and there should be an active programme to promote learning disability awareness.

During Members’ discussion, Councillor Daly asked if the regulator had expressed views on the health provision for those with learning disabilities and had their homes been inspected.  Councillor Hunter welcomed the report and referred to a health day event for the Somalian community that had taken place the previous week that had raised a number of overlapping issues that were also faced by those with learning disabilities, such as communication and signage.  She felt that training on this issue should continue as it had been a useful experience and that councillors would also benefit from such training.  Councillor Cheese asked if the hospital passport system could be expanded.  The Chair commented that in respect of council responsibility, there was a need for the Health and Wellbeing Board to acknowledge the needs of those with learning disabilities who would need additional care.

In reply, Ann O’Neil confirmed that Brent MENCAP were not subject to an assessment from the regulator and commented that there was a general lack of awareness on learning disability issues, with GPs sometimes uncertain who to refer patients with a specific learning disability to.  She stated that Brent MENCAP could offer training in areas of learning disability, such as autism.  Members noted that Brent MENCAP had agreed with NHS Brent that another health day for those with disabilities be undertaken.

Claudia Feldner advised that there were funding limitations in respect of expanding the hospital passports system and there would also be issues to consider such as who would be responsible for printing the passports.

Jo Ohlson (Brent Borough Director, NHS Brent and Harrow) added that NHS Brent was responsible for some patients placed outside the borough and all the appropriate spot checks and safeguarding measures had been assessed as sound, however she agreed that monitoring should continue to ensure the appropriate safeguarding measures were in place.  The committee noted that some inspections of homes of those with learning disabilities had been undertaken and she was not aware that any issues had arisen from this.

The Chair requested that a report be presented to the committee in around six months’ time advising how many staff had received learning disability awareness training and what improvements had taken place in respect of signage in health facilities.