A collaborative approach between Integrated Care Systems and Integrated Care Boards is key to improving the future of people with a learning disability, according to a new report.

The report from digital health and care consultancy firm Channel 3 and supported by strategic leaders, including national disability charity, Hft, says ICSs and ICBs will be critical in providing the necessary leadership and vehicle for local system change.

“There is a moral, social, equality, diversity, inclusivity and economic justification for a radical rethink in our national and local approaches to supporting people living with a learning disability,” said Ralph Cook, Partner at Channel 3 Consulting.

“The formation of ICSs and ICBs provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the outcomes we currently achieve and improve the lives of the 1.2 million people living with a learning disability and their families, carers and support networks.”

Emma Nichols, Personalised Technology Manager at Hft, said delivering this new future will significantly improve life outcomes as well as begin to address the significant financial challenges that many local systems face.

“Poor outcomes from the current service model can be overcome if we have the ambition and appetite to transform our approach,” Nichols said.

“We are failing to digitally enable the traditional model of care and this is where ICS leads can help by embedding it into commissioning models and the frontline practice of health and care staff.

“For integration to be a success, addressing comprehensive challenges within the social care system – such as strengthening the workforce, realising the full potential of technology and greater investment in community-based support – is an important prerequisite.

“Undoubtedly, integration will be transformative, but it is vital that health and social care receive sufficient funding to ensure the future sustainability of both sectors, as only then will the government’s ambitions become a reality.”