ERIC Number: EJ1195119
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: N/A
The Hospital Provision of Reasonable Adjustments for People with Learning Disabilities: Findings from Freedom of Information Requests
Heslop, Pauline; Read, Stuart; Dunwoodie Stirton, Fred
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v46 n4 p258-267 Dec 2018
Background: The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers to make "reasonable adjustments" for disabled people. The aim of this study was to explore key aspects relating to the provision of reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities in hospitals. Methods: The research questions were explored using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to 206 CCGs and 141 hospital trusts in England. Results: One hundred and eighty-six CCGs reported that they included the requirement to provide equal access to services in their contracts with providers. Eight CCGs provided evidence about how they ensured reasonable adjustments were provided. One hundred and twelve of 132 responding hospital trusts provided information about the number of inpatients with learning disabilities; eighty-three of 132 provided data about outpatients and 88 of 132 provided data about A&E. Sixty-four of 125 responding trusts explicitly stated that they did not undertake audits of learning disability services or did not make any such reports publicly accessible. Conclusions: The findings contribute to concern about the gap between legislation and guidance, and its practical application "on the ground." If CCGs are not assessing contractual compliance to provide equitable access to services for people with learning disabilities, and trusts are not aware of the number of people with learning disabilities using their services, or their access requirements, this raises concerns about their compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Intellectual Disability, Accessibility (for Disabled), Hospitals, Health Services, Legislation, Compliance (Legal), Access to Health Care
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A