Emergency care for people with learning disabilities: what all nurses and midwives need to know

People with learning disabilities have high health needs and as a result will require access to all aspects of healthcare systems, including the emergency services. The evidence of the health needs experienced by this group is evolving and developing and they have a range of issues that will bring them into contact with general hospital and the emergency services. It is now apparent that they experience risks to their health when accessing general hospital care and action is required to identify and address their distinct health needs. Emergency services are often the first point of entry into the healthcare system and as a result they need to develop their knowledge and skills in meeting the health needs of this group. Partnership working with specialists in learning disability health and emergency care can help to improve care.