New Government guidance requires all health and care staff to complete training on supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
The Oliver McGowan code of practice sets out the standards providers must meet to comply with legal duties under the Health and Care Act 2022.
The training aims to tackle health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people, who often face worse outcomes than the general population.
Named after Oliver McGowan, an 18-year-old from Bristol, the guidance follows his death in 2016 after a severe reaction to antipsychotic medication given against the strong wishes of him and his family.
Oliver had a mild learning disability, autism and epilepsy.
Despite medical notes warning of adverse reactions, healthcare staff repeatedly prescribed antipsychotics, failed to recognise how his autism presented alongside epilepsy, and did not make the adjustments needed to meet his care needs.
He developed a severe side effect that caused brain damage and died on 11 November 2016 after life support was withdrawn by his parents.
His parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, have since campaigned for training to improve staff understanding of how to care for people with learning disabilities or autistic people.
The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a legal requirement for Care Quality Commission-registered health and care providers to ensure staff receive appropriate training to care for people with a learning disability or autistic people.
Minister of state for care Stephen Kinnock said: “I pay tribute to Paula McGowan OBE and Tom McGowan and their formidable campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.
“Through their work, they have shown extraordinary dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver’s memory and legacy lives through them.
“This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people.
“Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training.
“The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.”
Paula and Tom McGowan said: “The publication of the Code of Practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver’s legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured.
“Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and or autism, along with their families and carers.
“This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.”
