IHC pleased with Labour's health announcement

Media release 28 October 2008

IHC pleased with Labour's health announcement

IHC is pleased that the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities has been recognised in Labour's health policy announced yesterday.

Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says that IHC has advocated for improved health care for people with intellectual disabilities for years.

"Free annual health checks will make a big difference. People with intellectual disabilities consistently have the lowest health outcomes and life expectancy of anyone in New Zealand and this needs to change.

"By improving people's access to health care, and improving health professionals' understanding of people's health needs, we would expect to see big improvements in health outcomes and enjoyment of life," says Ms Grant.

IHC strongly supports Labour's intention to implement all recommendations from the 2003 Ordinary Life report.

"People with intellectual disabilities and their families have been waiting for these changes for many years and it has been a strong focus of IHC's advocacy activities.

We urge all other political parties to match Labour's commitment to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities," says Ms Grant.

ENDS

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