DRC investigation into health inequalities will be key starting point for independent inquiry into healthcare

Evidence gathered in the Disability Rights Commission’s (DRC) investigation into health inequalities experienced by people with mental health and learning disabilities will be a key starting point for the independent inquiry into healthcare for people with learning disabilities to be chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael, the Commission said today.

The DRC’s 18 month long investigation probed the experiences of people with mental health and/or learning disabilities of primary care services in England and Wales after international research showed that these groups were at a higher risk of serious physical health problems.

The investigation found new evidence that people with learning disabilities and with mental health problems were more likely to experience major illness, to develop serious health conditions at an early age and to die of them sooner than non-disabled people. Yet they were less likely to receive some of the important evidence-based treatments and health checks than others with the same conditions but without a mental health condition or learning disability. They also faced real barriers in accessing primary care services.

The DRC investigation, which took evidence from senior health professionals, policy makers and disabled people, analysed eight million health records from the EMIS general practices and represented the largest study ever undertaken anywhere in the world.

Commenting on the announcement of the independent inquiry panel and Sir Jonathan’s appointment as its chair, Sir Bert Massie, DRC chairman said:

‘Our investigation was the first systematic probe into the experiences of people with mental health and/or learning disabilities using healthcare services. It represents a compelling body of evidence and underlines our serious concern that – despite the Government’s commitment to reduce health inequalities - people acknowledged to have the worst health outcomes are at the receiving end of the worst healthcare.

‘The evidence and recommendations we made last September are the correct starting point for the independent inquiry panel to begin its work.’


Notes to Editors

Details of the DRC’s Formal Investigation Equal Treatment: Closing the Gap can be found at www.drc-gb.org/healthinvestigation. The terms of reference for the independent inquiry panel chaired by Sir Jonathan Michael states that it is (inter alia):
• To review existing national and international research on the issue. (NB. not to undertake original research)
• To take into account evidence and findings from the Disability Rights Commission Formal Investigation into Health Inequalities for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems