People with learning difficulties being treated as second-class citizens

Commenting on today's [Monday] Healthcare Commission report criticising the quality of healthcare services for people with learning difficulties, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb MP said:

"It is shocking that so many Trusts are not treating these vulnerable people with basic dignity and denying them their human rights.

"No-one would get away with this level of service to other patients. In many instances they have been treating these people as second-class citizens, which is completely intolerable.

"If any Trusts are found of guilty of mistreating patients there must be swift and serious action. "The Government must work with the NHS to help people with learning difficulties live independent lives."