RESIDENTS with learning difficulties have been promised the same standard of healthcare by Colchester Hospital bosses.

Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust signed up to the new Getting it Right charter, put together by learning disability charity Mencap and senior healthcare professionals.

Specialist nurse Mike Pearce welcomed the positive move.

He said: “Signing the charter shows our healthcare professionals value the lives of people with a learning disability and aim to provide a high standard of care and treatment."

Information put together by the charity suggested those with learning disabilities have been receiving an inferior standard of healthcare by the NHS nationally.

See the full story in Tuesday's Gazette.