Supporting Patients with a Learning Disability
At St.Katharine Docks Practice, we are committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare for people with learning disabilities.
We understand that some patients may need additional support to access healthcare services, understand information, attend appointments or communicate their needs. We will work with you, your family members, carers and support workers to help ensure you receive the care and support you need.
Annual Learning Disability Health Checks
Patients aged 14 years and over who are on the practice Learning Disability Register are entitled to a free NHS Annual Health Check.
The Annual Health Check is an opportunity to:
- Discuss your physical and mental health
- Review any medications
- Identify health concerns early
- Receive advice about staying healthy
- Discuss any support you may need
We encourage all eligible patients to attend their Annual Health Check each year.
If you think you should be on our Learning Disability Register, please contact the practice.
Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make it easier for patients with learning disabilities to access our services.iv>
Reasonable adjustments may include:
- Longer appointments where appropriate
- Clear explanations and additional time during consultations
- Communication support
- Alternative appointment arrangements where possible
- Assistance from carers, family members or advocates
- Accessible information formats
- Support to help patients understand and engage with healthcare decisions
Please let us know what support you need when booking your appointment.
Easy Read Information
We recognise that some people find information easier to understand when it is presented in a different format.
Where available, we can provide or signpost patients to:
- Easy Read information
- Large print information
- Accessible healthcare resources
- Support understanding letters and health information
Useful Easy Read Resources
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/about/getting-healthcare/easy-read/
- Mencap Easy Read Resources
If you require information in a different format, please speak to a member of our team.
Longer Appointments
If you need extra time during an appointment, please tell us.
We may be able to arrange:
- Longer GP appointments
- Additional nursing support
- Extra time to ask questions
- Communication support where appropriate
Our aim is to ensure every patient feels comfortable, listened to and involved in decisions about their care.
How to Request Support
Please tell us if you:
- Have a learning disability
- Need extra support during appointments
- Require information in an accessible format
- Would like a carer, family member or advocate involved in your care
- Need any reasonable adjustment to help you access our services
You can contact us:
- By telephone
- At reception
- During an appointment
- Through our online consultation service
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and record any relevant support requirements on your medical record.
Local Learning Disability Support
Community Learning Disability Service (CLDS)
The Community Learning Disability Service supports adults with learning disabilities and can provide specialist advice, assessment and support for patients and their carers.
For local information and support services, please visit:
Support for Families and Carers
Family members, carers and support workers play an important role in helping people with learning disabilities maintain their health and wellbeing.
If you care for someone with a learning disability, please let us know so that we can ensure appropriate communication and support arrangements are in place.
You may also wish to visit our Carers Support page for information about local services available to unpaid carers.
Accessible Information and Communication Support
We are committed to making our services accessible to everyone.
- Professional interpreters
- British Sign Language (BSL) support where available
- Large print information
- Alternative communication methods
- Support understanding healthcare information
- Communication preferences recorded on your medical record
National Learning Disability Resources
NHS Learning Disabilities Information
Find information about learning disabilities, healthcare and support:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/annual-health-checks/
Mencap
Mencap provides advice, guidance and support for people with learning disabilities and their families:
Contact Us
St Katharine Docks Practice
12/14 Nightingale House
50 Thomas More Street
London E1W 1UA
nelondonicb.skd@nhs.net
Telephone: 020 7488 3653
Website: St Katharine Docks Practice
Need Additional Support?
If you have a learning disability, or care for someone who does, please tell us about any help you need.
We are committed to making our services accessible, providing reasonable adjustments where needed and ensuring every patient receives safe, personalised and compassionate care.