Psychiatrists and the learning disabilities health service

Abstract

A study of all trusts in England and Wales providing specialist health services for people with learning disabilities attracted an 83.9% response rate. Considerable variation exists with regard to the quantity of services. The relationship between the learning disabilities psychiatrist and National Health Service learning disabilities bed-numbers and learning disabilities health professionals from other disciplines is explored. An appropriate balance needs to be kept in these ratios to reduce stress and burnout.