‘Distressing failures’ led to deaths of people with a learning disability

April 2009

A new report comments on the deaths of six people that have been highlighted in Mencap's  Death by indifference report including Mark Cannon, who died aged 30.  The Health Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, concluded that he died as a consequence of public service failure. She also concluded that it was likely the death of Martin Ryan could have been avoided.

"The quality of care in the NHS and social services for people with learning disabilities is at best patchy and at worst an indictment of our society," said Ann Abraham. The report recommends that NHS and social care organisations in England urgently review the effectiveness of the systems and services they have in place.

Commenting on the report Mark Goldring, Mencap’s CEO, said: "The reports confirm the findings in 'Death by indifference' of the widespread failure by health professionals to provide the proper level of care and highlight an appalling catalogue of neglect of people with a learning disability."

• Read more about the Ombusdman's report and Mencap’s response to it
• Find out more about the Death by Indifference campaign