There is so much research and reports that tell us people with a learning disability are not getting the best hospital treatment. Mencap in their new campaign state that each year 1200 people with a learning disability die needlessly in the NHS.

As a Learning Disability Nurse and Mum to Nia who has a profound learning disability and complex health problem, I have witnessed inequalities in healthcare both professionally and personally. I have long tried to educate individual nurses and other health staff we come into contact with but we need to get the message out to all staff in the general hospitals.

Jayne and Jonathan set up the Paul Ridd Foundation as a legacy to their brother who died at Morriston Hospital due to a lack of awareness of issues that affect people with a learning disability. You can read their story here

Https://youtu.be/JZA9cCIHqWA

Part of Jayne and Jonathan's vision is to have learning disability champions in all hospitals and for learning disability training to be mandatory.

Our local hospitals in Hywel Dda UHB are getting ready for learning disability champions. Each training pack for the champions costs £5 so if Nia and I can raise £250 that will provide resources for 50 members of staff to become LD champions. This means they will receive training in LD issues so they can ensure people with a learning disability receive the right health care in their ward or department.

I understand that money is tight at the moment for everyone, but if you can spare even a little, this will be spent on improving hospital care for people with a learning disability so that Nia and her friends will not end up as part of the 1,200 statistic.

Thank you so much