Preventable Tragedies: Improving NHS Care for Men with Learning Disabilities

A recent ITV News investigation highlights severe failings in NHS care for people with learning disabilities, particularly men, which have led to avoidable deaths. The report focuses on cases such as Adrian Poulton, a 56-year-old man with Down syndrome, who died after being starved for nine days in hospital due to miscommunication and staff errors. Families expressed shock, stating he repeatedly communicated fear of dying, yet received no nutrition during his admission. These tragedies reveal systemic issues in training, staffing, and oversight.

Research shows men with learning disabilities are at heightened risk for poor outcomes due to inadequate medical attention, staff shortages, and insufficient specialized training. The NHS has struggled to meet mandatory learning disability and autism training targets for staff, leaving many clinicians unprepared to provide safe, informed care. Campaigners warn that without urgent intervention, including restoring specialist learning disability nurses and enforcing mandatory training, avoidable deaths will continue.

The cases underline broader health inequalities: men with disabilities die decades earlier than the general population. Experts and families are calling for government accountability, improved education for healthcare staff, and robust safeguards to ensure men with learning disabilities receive timely, adequate medical care.

Hewitt, D. (2025, October 2). 'I don't want to die': Man with Down syndrome 'starved to death' in hospital. ITV News. https://www.itv.com/news/2025-10-01/i-dont-want-to-die-downs-syndrome-man-starved-to-death-in-hospital