04.08.14
Steering group to explore learning disability support options
NHS England has launched a steering group to develop recommendations for the development of a national framework for the local commissioning of community-based support for people with learning disabilities.
Sir Stephen Bubb, chief executive of charity leaders network ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations), is to chair the steering group which includes people with learning disabilities, autism and their families, local government, ADASS and provider representatives.
The group has been developed in response to the Winterbourne View Concordat pledge, which aims to ensure that services that are commissioned throughout people’s lives are personalised, safe and local.
The main focus of the steering group will be:
- Recommendations for the development of the national framework – to be locally delivered.
- Looking at innovative commissioning solutions, tools and levers to put the framework in place and co-commissioning with the third sector.
- Looking at financial flows, including finance for capital investment in community development that will allow the national framework to be embedded.
- Reviewing options for the closure of some in-patients beds to support the delivery of community alternatives.
- The steering group will be advised by two expert reference groups: The patient/user/carer reference group; which includes people with learning disabilities, their families and carers; and the social investment reference group; which includes health economists, social investors and housing and support organisations.
Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England, said: “The steering group chaired by Sir Stephen Bubb is responsible for developing a report by the end of October 2014 which will recommend a national framework for the local commissioning of services for people with learning disabilities.
“The report will be developed with input and guidance from people with learning disabilities and their families, and partners working in this field. It will create new pathways of care in the community to support people with learning disabilities to live at or near home and not in hospital.”
The steering group, which held its first formal meeting on 28 July, agreed that stakeholder engagement, including with service users and their families, will be a crucial part of this work and that the ultimate goal of the group is to help people with a learning disability to be supported in community settings closer to home.
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