Constipation and people with a learning disability

We have seen a worrying increase in the number of people with learning disabilities being admitted to hospital with constipation and bowel related issues over recent months.

There may be a number of reasons for this increase including the reduction in activity/exercise due to lockdown, closing of day services, limited face to face annual health checks with GP’s this year and poor food choices.

We would like to highlight this issue with yourselves as we work to try to reduce health inequalities for people with learning disabilities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Below are some useful documents produced by the NHS which staff/families and clients can use to help them understand the serious nature of constipation, the effect it can have on wellbeing, and ways to try to manage/prevent it.

If you require any further information or support or share good practice please do not hesitate to get in contact with your local Learning Disability Partnership team.