NHS England has launched its ‘Long Term Plan’, which sets out NHS England’s priorities and objectives for the next 10 years to ensure that it is ready for the challenges of the next decade. The Long Term Plan includes information on care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism and care for children with rare genetic conditions.

Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England, commented on the announcement: “As medicine advances, health needs change and society develops, the NHS has to continually move forward, so that in 10 years’ time we have a service fit for the future.”

The Long Term Plan and TSC

The Long Term Plan includes a pledge that, from 2019, children who are likely to have a rare genetic disorder (such as TSC) will begin to be offered whole genome sequencing and DNA testing. The Long Term plan also sets out NHS England’s commitment to ensuring that everyone with a learning disability and/or autism can live happier, healthier and longer lives. This includes:

  • Providing timely support to children, young people and families by offering more proactive care in the community
  • Ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made so that wider NHS England services can support, listen to and help improve the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and/or autism
  • A commitment that children with learning disabilities have their needs met by eyesight, hearing and dental services, are included in reviews as part of general screening services and are supported by easily accessible and ongoing care

For people with most complex needs, NHS England has pledged in the Long Term Plan to continue improving access to care in the community, so that more people can live in or near their own homes and families.

The TSA will closely monitor any further announcements from NHS England regarding the Long Term Plan and will inform the TSC community of any further updates.

Read NHS England’s Long Term Plan here.