Service provision for people with learning disabilities and psychiatric disorders in Northern Ireland

The aim of this paper is to provide readers with an overview of service provision for people with learning disabilities and psychiatric disorders in Northern Ireland. The first part of this paper briefly describes how learning disability services are structured, and highlights how service provision across Northern Ireland is set to dramatically change as a result of Equal Lives (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2005) and overall healthcare modernisation. Second, this paper will explore the prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in people with learning disabilities in light of recent Northern Irish studies. Third, a review of current psychiatric service provision is provided, this is followed by an examination of recent hospital and community developments. Finally, this paper describes some educational and research developments that have focused on the mental health of people with learning disabilities.