CAMPAIGNER Wendy Webb from Weymouth has welcomed a new report into the quality of care for people with learning disabilities.

Wendy – whose brother Paul Farrell has learning difficulties and Down’s Syndrome – said the Health Service and Local Ombudsmen report was ‘very distressing’.

But she said it was essential that failings like those uncovered in the investigation were highlighted.

And Wendy has called for a ‘more sympathetic and realistic approach’ for people with learning disabilities in Dorset.

The national report found patients with learning disabilities were treated less favourably, resulting in ‘prolonged suffering’ and ‘inappropriate care’. Charity Mencap said the report was a ‘damning indictment’ confirming an ‘appalling catalogue of neglect’ – including the deaths of some people with learning disabilities because of failings in care in London.

Wendy, from Chickerell, said: “When I heard about the report I was distressed to hear very special people had lost their lives.

“I find it both appalling and upsetting that nobody could have helped them. As a sister of someone with learning disabilities, it’s very difficult to hear.”

But Wendy, who used to care for Paul at home before he transferred to a Blandford centre, was glad the report had been published.

She said: “As distressing as it is, this needs highlighting and bringing to the public’s attention.

“Why did this happen? Was it because nobody understood how to deal with these people?

“People with learning difficulties cannot communicate themselves to other people. They are literally in the hands of others.”

Paul, 48, lives at The Beeches residential home in Blandford and uses the neighbouring Learning Disability Day Centre.

Wendy, of Mohune Way, launched a campaign last year to keep him there after Dorset County Council considered closing it.

She said such centres – which provide Paul with the familiarity and routine he needs – were of ‘paramount importance’.

“Through my campaign to make Paul’s opinions known and his needs recognised, he is currently still attending the centre,” she said.

“His needs are being met there, with the help of a very dedicated team of people. It’s a marvellous place.

“The staff do a tremendous job. They build up a real rapport with people with learning disabilities and bring out the best in them.”

Wendy, 60, also welcomed Dorset County Council leader Angus Campbell’s recent vow to improve adult social care.

She said: “Angus Campbell says he is well aware social adult care needs improving. I hope he means it when he says they are determined to do so.

“I appreciate there’s not a bottomless pit of money but people with learning disabilities are vulnerable and deserve a dedicated service.”

She added: “Learning disabilities did not happen yesterday and they will not go away tomorrow. There will always be people with learning disabilities.

“There needs to be a greater understanding and a more sympathetic and realistic approach towards caring for them.”

COUNTY ASSESSMENT

DORSET County Council was recently assessed by the Audit Commission, scoring three or four stars in most areas.

But the Dorchester-based authority was only given a two-star rating for its adult social care, which includes caring for people with learning difficulties.

Paul St Quintin is responsible for the planning and development of adult learning disability services for Dorset County Council.

He said: “Dorset was one of nine sites across the county elected for a review of our arrangements for adults with learning disabilities.

“That’s been a lengthy process for us, but we’ve now received a report making 23 recommendations which we will be responding to.

“One centred on us ensuring we close our remaining NHS campuses (former long-stay hospitals often home to patients with learning disabilities) by April 2010.

“There were also recommendations about strengthening our joint commissioning teams and our joint working team across Dorset.

“Another recommendation was our transition work – looking after children with learning disabilities as they grow up and move into adulthood.

“That’s really just a question of providing people with more information about the choices available to them.

“But the report found no major issues for us.”