Rt Hon Sir David Evennett, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, attended a Parliamentary Reception on Monday (18 June) hosted by the charity Mencap, to help celebrate Learning Disability Week and to learn about their ‘Treat Me Well’ campaign.
Sir David spoke with representatives from Mencap as well as people with a learning disability about the challenges they face when visiting their doctor or a hospital. The Minister of State for Care, Caroline Dinenage MP, also addressed attendees.
Mencap’s campaign aims to ensure all health professionals receive learning disability awareness training, and gain an understanding of how to make ‘reasonable adjustments’, such as having a quiet space to wait for an appointment, providing easy to understand information, and longer appointment times.
Following the event, Sir David commented: “I am a big supporter of Mencap and the fantastic work they do, and in the past I have worked with the local branch, Bexley Mencap, most recently to save Bexleyheath Police Station.
“I am therefore delighted to have been able to attend the Reception to meet organisers and service users to hear about their personal experiences and discuss this campaign, as everyone should be able to understand and access the treatment they require with ease.”
Lloyd Page, Mencap spokesperson with a learning disability commented: “Treat Me Well will help the NHS provide better healthcare to people with learning disabilities. By giving all doctors and nurses learning disability training they will have the skills and knowledge to give the 1.4million people in the UK with a learning disability the best possible healthcare. My message for healthcare professionals is to please treat patients with a learning disability well, give us respect, and think about what reasonable adjustments you can give to help us.”