Learning disabilities: the need for better health care

There is broad acknowledgement within services for people with learning disabilities that the general health of this client group is poor. There is an impressive body of published research to demonstrate why these problems exist within the population receiving care in the community. Initiatives outlined in the White Paper Valuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century (DoH 2001) to develop individual health action plans and provide health facilitators give an excellent opportunity to remedy this situation and make a difference to the health and quality of life for people with learning disabilities.