The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) in England has highlighted concerns regarding the safety of people with learning disabilities when they are admitted to hospitals.
The watchdog found "persistent and widespread" risks to these individuals, emphasizing that hospital staff often lack the skills and support necessary to meet their unique needs.
The investigation revealed that systems for sharing information about patients with learning disabilities were unreliable, and there was inconsistency in the availability of specialist teams.
HSSIB also noted that general staff had insufficient training. The report highlights the need for improved training programs and a more consistent approach to specialist support for these individuals.