Training could save lives of 1,200 learning disabled people – study

Mencap says lack of knowledge may be contributing to avoidable deaths in England each year

A lack of training for health professionals could be contributing to 1,200 avoidable deaths of people with a learning disability in England each year, research has found.

A poll of 506 healthcare professionals for Mencap found 23% had never received training on meeting the needs of patients with a learning disability and 45% thought the lack of training may contribute to avoidable deaths.