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 08 September 2008 08:49 BST

Extra cash for learning disabilities healthcare

Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008 14:30
The money will help people with learning disabilites to live in the community
Extra funding of £96 million has been set aside by the government to help provide people with learning disabilities better healthcare and community support.

Care services minister Ivan Lewis said the funding – to be provided from 2008 to 2011 – will pay for costs incurred as a result of people with learning disabilities moving from NHS campuses to housing in the community.

This will include support for health action planning and help to get people into employment.

The funding follows on from the £175 million announced last year for primary care trusts (PCTs) to help with the capital costs of closing institutional NHS accommodation and providing more appropriate community arrangements for those with learning disabilities.

It is hoped that living in communities will give people the opportunity to develop important social skills and the freedom to make everyday decisions.

Before leaving the NHS campus each person will be individually assessed and given a 'person-centred care plan' to ensure they will continue to receive the correct support in their new way of living.

"This funding opens the door to a better way of life for hundreds of people with learning disabilities, who will now be able to integrate into communities across the country, while given high quality support to lead a full life as equal citizens," said Mr Lewis.

"We are providing funding for both PCTs and local authorities to help close inappropriate NHS accommodation and to support people with learning disabilities make the transition to the community a smooth one."
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