Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust have done a survey over the past 18 months asking the views of Carers about the services that they provide. 87 Carers were surveyed (84 of these being parents). There was a 31% rate of return which is considered quite high for postal questionnaires. Paid Carers were also surveyed separately. The following is a summary of some of the key findings:

Most contacts were made with the Community Teams for People with a Learning Disability(CTPLD) due to communications difficulties, difficult behaviour, general health issues and skills training.

Carers felt that more peole needed to be made aware of the Teams, that there should be greater contact with Carers and improved follow-up contact.

What has the Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust done in response to the survey?

They have produced a leaflet informing people about the CTPLDs and what they do. This has been circulated to a variety of places from GP surgeries to individuals.

The CTPLD staff have been made fully aware of the results to the surveys and asked to respond especially to those areas about which Carers were less satisfied. This will be monitored over the next year.

The Trust is now in the process of asking people who have a learning disability what they think of the services that they receive.

If anyone would like more information please contact Marie Pritchard, Community Teams Service Manager, at Slade House on 01865 228123