The Welsh Government has launched a new three-year Learning Disability Transformation Programme aimed at improving support for people with learning disabilities across Wales.
The programme seeks to strengthen community-based support, promote independence, reduce reliance on hospital care and ensure that people receive the right support at the right time to meet their individual needs.
The programme will also help inform the development of a longer-term, 10-year Learning Disability Strategy. It will draw on evidence, previews reviews and the experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families, carers and organisations across Wales.
Dr Rupert Thurston, Chair of the Intellectual Disability Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales, said:
"The faculty welcomes the launch of this ambitious and progressive programme of work to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities across Wales. As psychiatrists providing care for people with learning disabilities, we're key stakeholders in this programme.
"We also welcome the opportunity to learn from the improved data in this area. We're keen to work on both addressing the drivers to any avoidable inpatient admissions and overcoming the barriers to discharge into homes in the community.
"We value the inclusion of accommodation and housing on the agenda. Both the physical environments and the skillsets within care providers need to be fit for the future.
"We hope to work together to support people with learning disabilities to live safe, healthy and happy lives in communities across Wales."
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Twitter: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896