NHS Kernow’s website closed on 30 June 2022. Visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board website for information about our health and care services.
The risk of children being reported by their main carer (usually their mother) to have fair or poor general health is 2 to 4 times greater for children with learning disabilities when compared to their non-disabled peers.
Outcomes for adults are also worse with 1 in 7 adults with learning disabilities rating their general health as not good.
GPs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly count the number of people with learning disabilities. They say that they see about 2,400 people with learning disabilities. Cornwall Council’s register of people with learning disabilities receiving a service is similar in size.
People with learning disabilities who have additional complex needs require specialist services that are close to their homes, preventing the need for hospital admissions when possible.
There are known challenges in access to health care for people with learning disabilities.
Actions to address these challenges are in place locally and some of the work includes:
Service users and carers continue to raise issues and identify ways to improve services. This information is used as part of the regular planning process. NHS Kernow, alongside Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly, have formed a Transforming Care Partnership to address the needs of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism who have additional needs related to their behaviour.
The transforming care family charter has been developed by people who have relatives receiving care and brings together their views, reinforced by the relevant guidance documents. An individual receiving care ultimately decides how much their family is involved in their care.
“There is a need to shift the balance of power.” Service model for commissioners of health and social care services, October 2015.
Download an easy read version of the charter (PDF, 576 KB).