BackThe Ombudsman has begun an 'Own Initiative' investigation into how Northern Ireland's health trusts provide care to people with a learning disability.
The system-wide investigation will examine how trusts record information about a person's learning disability and how the information is used to provide them with appropriate care.
It will also look at how they are cared for when they are admitted to hospital unexpectedly, including how care plans and other assessment tools are used to meet their individual needs. In addition, consideration will be given to how the trusts, the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, and the Public Health Agency use information from complaints, investigations, and adverse incidents involving people with a learning disability to prevent issues recurring, and to make improvements.
Ms Kelly said: “NIPSO has identified concerns about the quality of health care and life expectancy for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland, from both our own case work and a range of investigations and studies. I am particularly concerned about cases of avoidable harm to individuals, or when someone has died because of inadequate care and treatment.”
The investigation will look at relevant laws, official guidance and standards, including identifying examples of good practice from Northern Ireland, elsewhere in the UK, and internationally to ensure that our health and social care system delivers safe and effective care for people with a learning disability. The investigation’s full Terms of Reference are available here.
The final report will be published and laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Source: The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, UK
