MENTAL health chiefs have backed a campaign to improve care for hospital patients with learning disabilities.

It comes as this year’s Learning Disability Week shines a light on the healthcare received by those with a learning disability spending a spell in hospital.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is backing the campaign’s message, “treat me well”. They say simple changes in hospital care can make a huge difference for people with a learning disability. The campaign is about better communication, more time and clear information.

Dan Wilkins, learning disability manager for AWP, said: “As a Trust, we provide a range of learning disability services across Avon and Wiltshire. This means we work closely with our service users to improve services, help them achieve their goals and live fulfilled lives.

“Raising awareness to help people with learning disabilities and supporting them to live their lives to the fullest is a priority for our Trust so we are looking forward to using the awareness raising week to amplify our message.

“We know that sometimes people who have a learning disability don’t get access to good quality hospital or community care and this is something we are committed to changing.

“We are also committed to partnership working to ensure the provision of high quality services and reasonable adjustments for people who have a learning disability is at the forefront of everything we do.”