The practice offers an annual health check for adults and young people age 14 years or above with Learning Disabilities who need more health support.
Our Commitment
We have a Learning Disabilities Nurse Champion Lead – Charlotte Cusick, along with an Administrative Lead – Michelle, who ensures that this group of patients are invited for a review in a way which meets their specific needs, at a convenient time for the patient (and their carer if applicable) and acts as a point of contact in reception for the patient/carer.
Our staff, including administrative staff, undergo annual training aimed at helping to reduce the barriers that Learning Disabled people often face when accessing health care, it also helps us to effectively manage the health needs of our Learning Disabled patients.
Marus Bridge Practice is committed to ensuring all patients are offered the best experience and service. This may be difficult due to information/communication difficulties, therefore reasonable adjustments are required to ensure they are met. Our Nurse Champion Lead Charlotte and Administrative Lead Lorraine will ensure these needs are discussed and agreed with the patient/carer and flagged on the patient record. These needs are reviewed regularly and communicated within the practice to give the best possible care pathway for the patient.
For example
Patient 1 Difficulty reading letters therefore records flagged ‘Preferred method communication Telephone’, also difficulty remembering appointments – system in place for practice to telephone patient same day for reminder of appointment.
Patient 2 Anxious when attending surgery, with agreement from patient flag on records for all staff that ‘Patient to sit in side room’ (appointment time arranged during less busy surgery period).
Patient 3 In wheelchair – needs assistance to and from waiting area – patient flag on records for ‘Administrative/clinicians to assist patient’
What happens at a Annual Health Check?
During the heath check Charlotte the Nurse will:
- Carry out a general physical examination which includes
- Blood Pressure Check
- Pulse
- Weight
- Examination of eyes and ears
- Assess behaviour and mental health including questions on lifestyle
- Offering support and referral to other services including health and social services
- Check on prescribed medication
- Review of any other chronic illness such as Asthma, Diabetes
- Offer of a blood test – we understand this may cause concern for some patients therefore this is not essential and we will respect the individual needs of the patient.
- And much more…
What are the benefits of having a Health Check?
People with Learning Disabilities often have other health needs and may have difficulty in recognising illness and communicating their health needs and using health services.
An individualised care plan will be agreed and a copy given to the patient (and their carer if appropriate).
Research shows that regular health checks for this group of patients often uncovers treatable health conditions.
Learning Disability Nurse Champion Lead – Charlotte Cusick