Excellence and Choice in Learning Disability Services

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Appendix 5Equality and Human RightsHuman rights belong to everyone – they are the basic rights that we all havesimply because we are human, regardless of who we are, where we live or whatwe do.Human rights cover those things which are important to us such as being able tohave a choice as to how to live our lives and being entitled to respect, dignity andprivacy.The basis of human rights is founded on 5 values, which are Fairness, Respect,Equality, Dignity and Autonomy.Equality in health and social care does not mean everyone receiving equaltreatment – equality means individuals accessing the highest attainable standardof health and social care, which meets their needs.The principles of human rights and equality have been core to the delivery andpolicy formulation within learning disability services. Services, which uphold andpromote equality and human rights, will enhance the experience and outcomesfor service users and staff by using a person centred approach. In 1998 theintroduction of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act and the Human Rights Actenshrined these principles in legislation in Northern Ireland.Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Belfast HSC Trust isobliged to consider the implications for equality of opportunity and good relations.As part of this assessment, the Trust also considers implications for human rightsand disability.Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998Section 75 (1) of the NI Act 1998 requires Belfast HSC Trust, in carrying out itwork, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity: Between persons of different religious belief, political opinion, racial group,age, marital status or sexual orientation Between men and women generally Between persons with a disability and persons without Between persons with dependants and persons withoutIn addition Section 75 (2) requires the Trust to have regard to the desirability ofpromoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, politicalopinion or racial group.This meant that a Public Authority such as the Belfast Health and Social CareTrust is not only morally and ethically bound to deliver its learning disabilityservices to its users in an equitable fashion with respect and dignity; but it also isstatutorily bound to do so.25
Any service user or potential user of learning disability services should be treatedwith respect, sensitivity and dignity irrespective of age, disability, ethnic origin,religious belief or political opinion, gender or marital status or sexual orientationor caring responsibilities.Key stakeholders can now have their say in how the Belfast Health and SocialCare Trust reforms and modernises its Learning Disability Services.The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is committed to listening to the view ofstaff, service users, carers and families and advocacy groups and the widerpublic and making informed decisions on the basis of these consultationresponses.The Trust is committed to the principles of Equality and Human Rightsunderpinning the delivery and policy formulation of Learning Disability Services.The Trust welcomes any comments on Equality and Human Rights that youconsider relevant on the views detailed in this paper.26
Page 4 and 5: 1.0 ForewordWilliam McKee, Chief Ex
Page 6 and 7: Whilst the report acknowledged that
Page 9 and 10: 3.0. SOMEWHERE TO LIVE AND A FULLER
Page 11 and 12: This supports the concept of indivi
Page 13 and 14: Level 1Many people with learning di
Page 15 and 16: Respite services will be developed
Page 17 and 18: 6.0 CONCLUSIONThis paper has highli
Page 19 and 20: Appendix 2Programme of consultation
Page 21 and 22: 1. Somewhere to live and a fuller l
Page 23 and 24: (d) Are there any other issues that
Page 25: Appendix 4Availability in other for

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