People with Learning Disabilities: Acute Illness Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department of Health and Social Care
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
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People with Learning Disabilities: Acute Illness
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff Excerpts(2 weeks ago)
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Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)
My Lords, the report highlights that, for almost two-thirds of these patients, there was no assessment of mental capacity. However, when people are ill and frightened, mental capacity is incredibly important for being able to communicate with people, to make a diagnosis and to monitor a response to treatment. Without communication, of course the outcomes are worse than they might otherwise be. How will the Government improve the assessment of mental capacity across the board and implement the recommendations in the report?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
Guidance was issued not many months ago on this point, and I expect to see improvements. The report found that well under 50% of patients or their carers were asked about reasonable adjustments. It is not acceptable, but that is why we have brought in the mental capacity assessment guidance and the reasonable adjustment digital flag. These will make a major difference.