We deserve better: Ethnic Minorities with a Learning Disability and Access to Healthcare

Commissioned by the NHS Race and Health Observatory, this comprehensive recommendations review: ‘We deserve better: Ethnic minorities with a learning disability and access to healthcare’ has been undertaken by the University of Central Lancashire, in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University, Learning Disability England and the Race Equality Foundation.

The review spans the last two decades and gives a deep insight using mixed research methods into the access and experiences of healthcare services for people with a learning disability from Black, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage) and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Supported by NHS England, the review was launched via an online webinar on 25 July 2023, with an array of experts including those who have, or care for someone with a learning disability. It explores why, in 2023, there are still discriminatory barriers preventing equitable healthcare treatment. Presently, this is resulting in shorter life expectancy triggered by poorer healthcare access, experience and outcomes.