A CareKnowledge Special Report that looks at the Care Act’s requirements on promoting wellbeing. The author, Julie Penfold, speaks to the Care Quality Commission and to two providers who have been rated outstanding by the regulator, to consider what some of the elements of best practice in this area may be.
Care Knowledge: In Good Health
NHS England’s Building the Right Support (2015) outlined a clear national service model for people with learning disabilities that included annual health checks for everyone aged over 14 years. It was part of a broader ambition to ensure that people with learning disabilities ‘get the support they need to live healthy, safe and rewarding lives’.
Two years on, the national figures show a positive shift in the numbers receiving checks but we’ve still got some way to go. It needs everyone to be on board – every service provider across every locality – to make it happen.
Bradford, like other Trusts, started to focus on health checks back in 2008, in line with national guidance. Our community-based health teams were supporting health and care providers to ensure checks were happening, to pick up any changes in people’s presentations earlier and provide support earlier, to avoid hospital admissions.
The latest statistics now show 64 per cent of people aged 14 years and over across Bradford and Airedale received a health check last year. This compares to a national average of around 44 per cent (source: Mencap).
What research needs funding in adult social care?
NIHR would like to hear your views on what research needs funding in adult social care….
Ray James: ‘I want those still in care to tell their truths to people like me’
Six years after the Winterbourne View abuse scandal, Ray James’ new job is to ensure people with learning disabilities can move on from long-stay units.
Read the Guardian article here.
Focus given to treating diabetes in those with learning disabilities
A document has been published to ensure people with learning disabilities and diabetes are given the same level of care across the country.
The NHS RightCare Pathway for Diabetes: Reasonable Adjustments for People with a Learning Disability guidance was developed because recent figures suggested diabetes and obesity rates were much higher among people with a learning disability.
The NHS England Learning Disability team worked collaboratively on the document with various health agencies to compile “reasonable adjustments” so those who commission health services have a better understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability.
