Providing appropriate health care to people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities often challenge health services and their carers. Recent reports identify the tragic consequences of services failing to identify and meet this population's health needs. This article integrates a case study of the planned hospital admission of a woman with learning disabilities. A nine-step strategy is adopted to proactively support the patient and associated disability, and general nurse carers to enable both a positive experience and a healthy outcome for all those involved. It is an example of how collaborative working, good reciprocal communication and creative thinking are imperative to effective support.