New guidance has been launched to ensure the quality of training offered to healthcare staff in learning disabilities and autism meets acceptable standards.
The Oliver McGowan code of practice aims to ensure that staff have the right skills to provide care.
Paula McGowan, who fought for learning disabilities and autism training after the death of her son Oliver
It sets out the standards that care companies must meet to keep people safe.
All in the name of Oliver McGowan
The code of practice is named after 18-year-old Oliver McGowan.
Oliver had a learning disability, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. He died after suffering an allergic reaction when a doctor prescribed an antipsychotic against his and his family’s wishes.
The teenager’s brain swelled catastrophically in the incident at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital in November 2016.
His parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, fought a long campaign for learning disabilities and autism training to be introduced.
Massive health inequalities
People with learning disabilities and autism suffer massive health inequalities.
NHS figures from 2018/19 showed men with learning disabilities died 14 years before men in general. Women with learning disabilities died 17 years before non-disabled women.
In a joint statement, the McGowans said the publication of the code was a “deeply emotional and significant milestone”.
The couple, who live between Bristol and New South Wales, in Australia, said it would create a “lasting impact” and “transform lives for the better”.
Duty for staff to undergo training
Under the Health and Care Act 2022, care companies registered with the watchdog, the Care Quality Commission, must ensure staff undergo suitable training in learning disabilities and autism.
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities and autism were “appalling”.
He said the new code would be a “boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones”.
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Published: 2 July 2025
