In
response to the unacceptable abuse of people with learning disabilities
identified by Panorama in a private hospital in Bristol, 86
organisations in
the learning disability field have come together to agree a call to
action. The letter sent to the Prime Minster describes a programme of
work that
we believe is necessary to prevent a repetition of such abuse and help
ensure
that people with learning disabilities are supported to live lives as
equal
citizens in our communities.

The letter describes fifteen sets of actions that together aim to:

• Stop the use of learning disability hospitals such as that at Winterbourne View

• Instigate a two year programme to ensure that the NHS and local government work together to ensure they deliver high quality, individualized  and local services for people with the greatest need

• Place the voice of people with learning disabilities and families at the centre of decision making about their lives

• Reform the regulatory framework in order to place a greater emphasis on quality of life and service improvement

• Provide immediate support for those people and their families who have been subjected to this abuse

• Deliver short-term action to ensure standards in learning disability institutional provision pending its replacement with more appropriate services

We
commend this programme of action to all people concerned with promoting
equality in our society.

For more details, please see the full press release and a copy of the letter which can be downloaded from the Related Downloads section on the right of this page.