Access to secondary care for people with learning disabilities

A person-centred approach is needed to improve access to secondary health care for people who have learning disabilities. The Department of Health (1995a) drew attention to this issue when it reported that people with learning disabilities sometimes have problems maintaining their health because hospitals fail to work in an interdisciplinary manner with the specialist learning disability services. This article focuses on a case study where the difficulties in operating on a patient with learning disabilities and mental health problems were overcome through a multidisciplinary and patient-centred approach. The case study provides evidence of mainstream health staff and learning disability professionals working together and breaking down barriers to provide a seamless service.