Learning disability: Six people at heart of ombudsmen's inquiry in to NHS and social care

Martin Ryan, 43, went without food for 26 days while he was in hospital following a stroke. By the time staff realised what was happening, he was too weak to be helped. Martin died on 21 December 2005. He had a severe learning disability and no speech Photograph: collect

Doctors told Emma Kemp, 26, that she had a 50:50 chance of survival, but decided not to treat her as they believed she would not co-operate with treatment. Emma died of cancer on 25 July 2004. She had a severe learning disability, which meant that she sometimes exhibited challenging behaviour and had difficulty in communicating how she felt when she was upset or scared Photograph: Collect

Warren Cox, 30, died following perforation of the appendix. His mother and father repeatedly asked whether Warren had appendicitis or a blocked bowel when doctors visited Warren – they were told Warren had a virus. Warren died on 25 September 2004. He had a severe learning disability and very little speech, but he could make himself understood to his family Photograph: Collect

Ted Hughes (left), 61, was discharged three weeks after being admitted to hospital for a minor operation, despite his condition having been assessed as 'concerning' because staff didn't want to meet his extra needs. He collapsed and died the following day on 27 May 2004. He had a severe learning disability and had virtually no speech Photograph: Collect

Mark Cannon, 30, died eight-and-a-half weeks after being admitted to hospital with a broken thigh. He was clearly distressed and in pain, screaming and banging his head, but he had to wait three days to see the pain team. Mark died on 29 August 2003 Photograph: Collect

A hospice consultant recommended that 20-year-old Tom Wakefield's pain was investigated by a gastroenterologist over a year before he died. No action was taken until it was far too late. Tom's expressions of pain weren't listened to and he died on 25 May 2004. He had profound and multiple learning disabilities Photograph: Collect