A conference highlighting the importance of quality care for people with learning disabilities took place at the University of West London (UWL).
'Together We Stand' saw a number of leading figures from the learning disability sector speaking about issues that need to be addressed and how to change them on Wednesday (November 5).
Entertainment was provided by the world's first inclusive pop band, MiXiT, whose members include those with and without learning disabilities.
One of the guest speakers, Stephen Taylor, spoke about the necessary developments needed in hospital care. He said: “We need to develop care services for the individual, rather than employing a 'one size fits all' approach.”
Mr Taylor talked about these concerns following the Winterbourne View abuse scandal, which was investigated by BBC's Panorama.
He is currently Principal Adviser on the Joint Improvement Programme.
The need for improved care for people with learning disabilities in hospitals was further accentuated by Dr Pauline Heslop's (from the Norah Fry Research Centre, Bristol University) speech.
Ms Heslop reiterated the shocking statistics that; for every one person in the general public who dies from a cause of death that could have been prevented by good quality of care, three people with learning difficulties will die.
Professor Bob Gates, from UWL said the university is committed to educating future health care professionals to work with people with learning disabilities and their families with compassion and kindness.
He said: “This major conference brought together people from across the learning disability sector; it was presented, planned and attended by those with learning difficulties.”
