Learning Disabilities

Did you know that anyone aged 14 and over with a learning disability is entitled to a free annual health check at their GP surgery? These checks offer a chance for a doctor or nurse to meet with the individual, review their physical and mental health, and ensure they’re receiving the right support.

You must be on the Learning disabilities register, if you are unsure contact your GP.

For more information on this health check visit the NHS website or the Mencap website for easy read information.

Watch our video to get familiar with our practice and find out more about coming for your annual health check. 

Reasonable adjustments are small changes that can help people with a learning disability or autism be treated equally. You may find it difficult to book GP appointments, attend clinics or communicate your needs. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to help support you with this.

Every person is different but here are some examples of adjustments you can ask for:

• Having a carer or support person present

• Allowing extra time during appointments

• Providing a quiet space to wait

• Easy read information

Talk to your GP if you need reasonable adjustments put in place.

For more information about reasonable adjustments visit the Mencap website.

Need support for a hospital visit?

If you have a learning disability and are preparing for a hospital appointment or stay, the Learning Disabilities Liaison nursing team can help. They can support you and your carer making sure your needs are understood and your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

You can contact them to ask for help:

· Queens Hospital & King Georges Hospital

Call 02089705719 or email bhrut.learningdisabilitiesteam@nhs.net

· Basildon Hospital, Southend Hospital and Broomfield Hospital

Call 0300 4430261 or email mse.learningdisabilities@nhs.net

Do you have a Hospital Passport?

A Hospital Passport is an important tool for anyone with a learning disability. It helps healthcare professionals understand your needs, preferences, and how best to support you. Bring your hospital passport to any hospital visit or stay. It can make a big difference if you are unable to communicate your needs and helps you get the right care. Click here to download a copy. If you are able to download/print a copy please ask at Reception. If you need help completing this form please speak with Reception who can organise this. 

Frontline Partnership

A charity providing activities for people with a learning disability. For more information visit their website Frontline Partnership

Recoil Trampolining club.

Inclusive trampolining with a disability suite and multisensory room. For more info visit the Recoil Trampoline Club website.

Manna meals

A community café where there are free hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes. For more information and dates and location visit the Manna Meals website.

Sport for Confidence

An organisation that places Occupational Therapists into community leisure settings to support and deliver meaningful physical activity and sports sessions to anyone facing barriers to participation. Visit the Sport For Confidence website.

Adult Social Care

For assessment of care and support for an individual they may need to manage their everyday tasks.

Call 0345 603 7630 or visit the Adult social care and health website

Also information on the Special Educational Needs and Learning Disabilities website offers all support groups and activities in the local area.

Looking for easy read information and videos on various health conditions visit Easy Health.

Cervical Screening

Have you or a loved one been asked to attend a cervical smear test and are worried about what this would involve.

Click here to watch a helpful video to understand why it is important to have your smear test and what will happen during the visit. 

There is also an easy read leaflet you can look at by clicking here.

There is also a leaflet for carers/ relatives

Breast Screening

Click here to watch a video about breast screening

Bowel Screening

Bowel cancer screening have an easy read guide which you can view by clicking here.