A new healthcare initiative aimed at improving respiratory support for people with learning disabilities has led to a sharp drop in hospital use. The programme has reduced hospital bed days by more than 90% and cut respiratory-related admissions by over three-quarters, according to recent findings.

The scheme focuses on preventing chest infections, a major health risk for this group, by offering earlier intervention and clearer care planning. Data collected over a year showed notable improvements, including fewer A&E visits, reduced antibiotic use and a decline in GP appointments. Cases of chest infections also fell significantly, suggesting a strong impact on overall health outcomes.

Respiratory illness remains a leading cause of avoidable deaths among people with learning disabilities, often resulting in repeated hospital stays. The initiative aims to tackle this by shifting care away from reactive treatment towards prevention, identifying those most at risk and providing tailored support.

The approach combines coordinated care across services, accessible personalised plans, digital resources and specialist training for healthcare staff. Early economic analysis indicates substantial cost savings for the NHS. Following its success, the programme is now being made available for wider use across the UK, offering a scalable model for improving care and reducing pressure on health services.

New research suggests that around one in five autistic children are affected by constipation, with links to increased hospital visits for digestive issues. The findings, published in a leading gastroenterology journal, highlight the wider health impact this condition can have on young people.

The study examined more than 20 million health records of children aged six to 17 over a nine-year period. It found that constipation was significantly more common among autistic children than their non-autistic peers, alongside higher rates of related issues such as faecal incontinence. Those affected were also more likely to attend emergency departments or require hospital care for abdominal problems.

Further analysis showed that autistic children experiencing constipation faced a much greater likelihood of additional complications. They were considerably more prone to abdominal pain and far more likely to need urgent medical attention or admission to hospital compared with those without constipation.

Although researchers noted some limitations, including potential inconsistencies in diagnosis records, the overall findings underline the importance of recognising gastrointestinal symptoms early. Constipation in autistic individuals may present differently, sometimes appearing through behavioural changes such as disrupted sleep or reduced appetite. The study calls for greater awareness and improved approaches to care, aiming to reduce avoidable hospital visits and better support affected children and their families.