10 December 2004

Speech and language therapists and National Patient Safety Agency welcome Disability Rights Commission inquiry

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) and National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) today welcomed news of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) investigation into the provision of healthcare for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

RCSLT CEO Kamini Gadhok said the lack of attention to the communication difficulties of people with learning disabilities and mental health problems meant their basic health needs were at risk of being overlooked.

"Speech and language therapists already play an important advocacy role for people with communication problems, particularly within the healthcare setting," Ms Gadhok said.

"The RCSLT is working with the NPSA to look at the patient safety problems of people with learning disabilities in terms of both access and quality of care within the NHS."

Speech and language therapist Frances Watson is the NPSA's Clinical Specialty Adviser for Learning Disabilities working with Vicky Stobbart, NPSA Safer Practice Lead, to examine the types of problems that people with disabilities experience.

"Swallowing difficulties are more common in people with learning disabilities. If not managed safely they can lead to weight-loss, choking and respiratory tract infections, a leading cause of early death. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RCSLT to tackle this important issue. The Disability Rights Commission's investigation will help push the issue of safer healthcare for people with learning disabilities up the agenda," said Frances Watson.

The NPSA's work has prioritised five areas of particular concern for people with learning disabilities:

inappropriate use of physical intervention;
illness or disease being mis or undiagnosed;
vulnerability of people with learning disabilities in general hospitals;
lack of accessible information;
swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

Ends

Notes for editors:

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK and has nearly 12,000 members. It provides leadership in order that issues concerning the profession are reflected in public policy and people with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing difficulties receive optimum care. It is responsible for setting, promoting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct.
For more information about the NPSA contact Nick Rigg, tel: 020 7927 9362 or email: nick.rigg@npsa.nhs.uk
The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) was established in July 2001 following the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer's report on patient safety, An Organisation with a Memory. The NPSA's role is to improve the safety of NHS patients by promoting a culture of learning and reporting from patient safety incidents, and to manage the national reporting system to support this function. Visit: www.npsa.nhs.uk

For more information contact Steven Harulow, email: steven.harulow@rcslt.org tel: 020 7378 3004