EASINGTON'S MP John Cummings is backing an investigation into healthcare for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

The Disability Rights Commission's (DCR) 18-month Formal Investigation in England and Wales is gathering evidence on whether primary health care, such as GP services, are addressing health inequalities among people with learning and mental health disabilities.

The investigation has been prompted by evidence that suggests people with such problems are among the poorest groups in society, die younger of preventable diseases than the rest of the population and miss out on life-saving screening programmes.

Mr Cummings said: "I welcome this much-needed investigation. There are 15,000 disabled people in my constituency.

"We need to find out what causes these unequal health outcomes.

"It is a complex issue but one which urgently needs to be researched.''

He said existing studies had revealed that preventable deaths for people with learning disabilities are four times higher than for the rest of thepopulation and that people with schizophrenia live on average nine years less than other people.

One study, he said, had found that people with a learning disability were 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50 than the general population.

The DRC's investigation will complement existing initiatives by seeking out good practice and uncovering existing barriers which prevent disabled people's access to primary healthcare.

If people wish to contribute their experience to the investigation, they can either log on to DRC's website www. drc-gb.org/health or contact the DRC's helpline for an information pack and questionnaire on 08457 622622, or textphone 08457 622644.

The closing date for questionnaires is April 30.