North East NHS staff are reaffirming their commitment to an initiative to stop the over medication of people with learning disabilities, autism, or both (STOMP).
Staff from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW) a local mental health and disability provider, are continuing their work to raise awareness of STOMP.
Figures show that over 30,000 adults with a learning disability, autism or both are estimated to be receiving an antipsychotic, an antidepressant or both without an appropriate clinical reason.
On Wednesday 25 April at Gosforth Civic Theatre, Professor Eilish Gilvarry, Deputy Medical Director at NTW signed the ‘Health Care Provider’ pledge on behalf of the Trust.
There has been great enthusiasm for the work around STOMP and supporting people with learning disabilities.
The launch of the pledge was very thought-proving. The overriding message was that we need to listen to what people are saying and work together to improve their quality of life.
The many different presentations and posters displayed showed we can really make a difference for individuals and their families when we come together and share our ideas and skills
Caroline WillsLearning Disability Clinical Development Lead
You can access more information on STOMP from the NHS England website.