The Sub-Committee received a report on the Adults Learning Disability Health Scrutiny Challenge Session and welcomed Councillor Kahar Chowdhury the former Chair to the meeting.  As a result of questioning the Committee:

v  Noted that the challenge session had taken place on the 10th of March 2020 which had reviewed “How health and social care is supporting adults with a learning disability to live independent lives in Tower Hamlets”.

v  Noted that the session had focused on three main areas of the Learning Disability Strategy: Health, Accommodation and Employment.

v  Was informed that the report had been compiled providing documentation of the sessions and including recommendations to be actioned upon, however sign-off of the report had been delayed due to the outbreak of the pandemic.  Accordingly, the report has been updated against the March position and included an impact assessment of the pandemic for the learning disability population.

v  Noted that people with learning disabilities do not learn certain skills as quickly as other people and may therefore need extra help in certain aspects of their lives. The specific skills in question will depend upon the type of disability. People with mild learning disabilities may live alone, travel independently, and work. They may not require any support from their local authority or may just need support in managing their finances.

v  Commented that with the right support people can live full and meaningful lives. However, if this support is not provided, they may face problems in gaining independence or a home of their own, in accessing leisure and recreation activities, and/or in developing friendships and relationships.

v  Was advised that with regard to the progress on the four-year programme to reduce the number of residents in out of Borough placements this has been slower than anticipated because of the infection control restrictions and the challenges with moving people after long periods of time in a placement outside of Tower Hamlets.

v  Commented that consideration should be given to how the pandemic was impacting on mental health and wellbeing among these residents as it was felt that they are more likely to have lower levels of happiness, life satisfaction and sense of purpose e.g. due to mortality concerns, fears about the virus, grief for the loss of normality, restricted access to health services and restricted access to activities that protect wellbeing.

v  Noted that it is acknowledged that whist whilst it is acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected many people’s mental health and wellbeing people. That those with mental health needs, a learning disability or autism who had contracted Covid-19 may require reasonable adjustments. As it is recognised that adults with a learning disability may be particularly at risk of a poor health outcome if they  contract Covid-19.

v  Noted that health services will continue to have due regard to their obligation to advance equality under the Equality Act 2010; which includes recognising and factoring-in the vulnerability of different groups of people with protected characteristics; and inequalities in access,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3