Minister wants better care for autism patients

Minister for care services Phil Hope wants the NHS to improve provisions for people with autism.

This comment came after new guidance was released from the public health body outlining good practice advice for local authority staff dealing with those in the community with the condition.

Ensuring sufferers have access to the right services, giving young people the support they need and tailoring services to suit individual’s needs were all included in the strategy.

Mr Hope explained members of staff in the NHS and local authorities have asked for more advice about how to help people with autism.

“That is where this guidance comes in,” he commented. “It will be a small start in what I hope will be a big movement for change.”

Many people who have the illness are “undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help”, Mr Hope added, concluding he wants to make clear “I am fully on their side”.

In other news, the Department of Health announced 16 pilot schemes across the country to see how health and social care services can work together to improve provisions and support for patients.