The Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman's report, 'Six Lives', highlighted failings in health and social care services that led to premature and avoidable deaths of people with learning disabilities.
David Behan, Director General, Social Care, Local government and care partnership and Anne Williams, Co-national director learning disabilities at the Department of Health wrote to SHA chief executives and Directors of Adult Social Services respectively to set out the action needed to respond to the recommendations set out in the 'Six Lives' report.
Directors of Adult Social Services are reminded of the need to work in partnership with NHS colleagues when reviewing and reporting progress on implementation of the Ombudsmen's recommendations. SHAs are asked to report on progress by March 2010.
For further information and to download the letter visit the Department of Health’s website.