18 March 2016
RCGP Response to Autistica Report on Premature Death in Autism
Dr Carole Buckley, Clinical Champion for Autism for the Royal College of GPs, said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that autism can have significant implications on a patient’s physical and mental health and wellbeing – sometimes, as this report today shows, with tragic consequences.
“With 90% of NHS patient contacts delivered in general practice, it is essential for GPs and our teams to have good awareness and understanding of autism, and the steps we can take to make our autistic patients’ experience of general practice as comfortable and supportive as possible.
“For this purpose, Autism Spectrum Disorder has been named a clinical priority for the College, and we have worked with the Autism Alliance to produce the Autism Patient Charter, which provides a framework for making surgeries more autism-friendly.
“It is clear that more needs to be done right across the health service to tackle early mortality in patients with autism, so we would support Autistica’s calls for a national review into this.”
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7633
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.