Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:57 pm on 24 May 2022.
Thank you, Deputy Minister. The Welsh Government's plan to introduce a new action plan to improve the lives of people in Wales with a learning disability is welcome. People with learning disabilities often face additional life challenges. They're more likely to have additional health problems, such as autism, epilepsy and dental problems, just to mention a few. Not always, but they can be at a higher risk of leading an inactive lifestyle that can lead to further health complications. We did talk about COVID-19. Like almost every part of our country, COVID-19 has had a major impact on services for learning disabilities. These services support some of the most vulnerable people in our society and must be one of the priorities moving forward. This is compounded by the fact that they are more likely to be exposed to poverty, poor housing conditions and unemployment. In 2006, the Welsh Government introduced annual health checks for people with learning disabilities to increase early detection of developing ailments. But many GPs do not offer this service due to lack of evidence about the long-term health benefits. I think you need to look—