A consultation reviewing the Oliver McGowan code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training (“the code”) is currently open.
The code has been drafted in line with the legislative requirement introduced in the Health and Care Act 2022, which stipulates that all Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) registered service providers must ensure that their staff are appropriately trained in autism and learning disabilities. The draft code outlines the standards such training must meet to be compliant with the legislation, and provides guidance on how providers can adhere to these standards. This consultation will assess the adequacy of the draft code in equipping CQC-registered providers with the necessary guidance to meet the legislative requirement.
As set out in the code, the Government’s preferred and recommended training is The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. This is named after Oliver McGowan, a teenager with autism and a mild learning disability, who died following an adverse reaction to anti-psychotic medication which his family did not want him to receive. His death shed light on the disparities and inadequate care often faced by individuals with autism and learning disabilities, highlighting the necessity for health and social care staff to have a better understanding of their needs.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Maria Caulfield said: “In my role as Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, I have heard experiences of the poor care and treatment received by people with a learning disability and autistic people, which has highlighted the importance of introducing this legal requirement and the development and publication of the code.”
“Too often people with a learning disability and autistic people experience poorer health outcomes and higher mortality than the general population. We are confident that these disparities can be reduced when health and care staff are equipped with the right skills and knowledge. The draft Code therefore represents a crucial step in the right direction.”
Oliver’s parents, Paula and Tom McGowan said: “The launch of the consultation is a significant milestone on improving health and care outcomes and is an essential step in ensuring that people who have a Learning Disability and Autistic people receive appropriate and timely access to meet their health and care needs.”
The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 19 September 2023. Following this, the Government will assess the responses received during the consultation process to shape any ultimate revisions to the code.
