NHS Plan: Consultation

Lord Scriven Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree with my noble friend: we have to hear from unpaid carers, because that will strengthen the exercise. We are constantly monitoring which groups are responding and which are not, and that allows us to tailor our approach to the underrepresented groups who are not coming forward. If that includes unpaid carers, the consultation absolutely will make special, tailored efforts to reach them.

[Lord Scriven (LD)]

My Lords, the life expectancy of people with learning disabilities is, on average, 20 years less than the general population’s. Research has shown that a major contributor to this is a lack of access to appropriate healthcare. What will the Minister do to ensure that this group of people will be not only consulted but listened to, and that the 10-year plan will provide appropriate services tailored to them?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

This is indeed one of the groups for whom we need to ensure absolute inclusion. As I mentioned, the work with integrated care systems will be particularly helpful in running the workshop. We train organisations to work with it, and it is designed so that it is easy to use. It can be used in events to reach the seldom-heard voices in communities, including those with learning disabilities. It is vital that we hear from them as we design an NHS fit for everybody for the future.