Disability, Learning Disability, Neurodiversity and Inclusion

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Don't miss out on extra support

People with a learning disability are at high risk of missing out on the healthcare they need. To use healthcare services, and to look after your health, you may need extra support from your GP surgery. Mencap has created  four leaflets to help you get extra support from the doctor at your GP surgery. 

Find out how to get support from your GP doctor Mencap

Children with Learning Disabilities are just like any other children and can get all the usual childhood illnesses and infections. If a child is known to a paediatrician, it can be tempting for the parent carer to go straight to the specialist support throughout their childhood and not make any contact with their GP. However, when the child becomes 18, this specialist support will cease, and the care is handed over to the GP.

It is so very important to build a relationship with the GP from an early age. It is particularly important when the child is approaching transition to adulthood especially if the GP does not know the young person. The Annual Health Check is an ideal opportunity for the GP to become involved in your child’s care. Annual Health Checks are available to young people with a learning disability aged 14 and over. Leaflet for Parents and Carers

Access

There is access through the main automatic front doors. We have a wheelchair available for use in surgery, accessible parking, ramps and accessible toilets with baby changing facilities.

Hearing Difficulties

If you are experiencing hearing difficulties when being called in to see the doctor or nurse, please do let us know in order for us to set up an alert on your medical records and personally collect you from the waiting room. Alternatively, we do have the facility of a portable induction loop. If you would like to use this, please ask at reception.

Learning Disability and Autism

All staff undertake the Learning Disability and Autism Awareness Course, in addition they all undertake The Oliver McGowan Learning Disability and Autism Training.

Need an interpreter?

No problem, just let reception know when you book your appointment.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity reflects the diversity of all human brains. It includes people with dyslexia, autism, ADHD and dyspraxia, among other neurological conditions. In the UK it is believed that around 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent.

What works for you?

Everyone has different support needs. Soon there will be a new way to make sure every part of the NHS knows how you like to be treated. You will be able to ask your GP (your doctor) to put a note on the computer about the kind of support you like. We call this note a flag. You can find out more by reading this easy read leaflet -  Sharing information about your support needs

We have:

  • A quiet room is available - ask reception when you arrive
  • Information boards 
  • Clear signage
  • Easy to read information
  • Sensory box at reception
  • Plain language and avoid jargon
  • Images and videos (online) to help explain our information
  • We are as flexible as we can be within the confines of a GP practice to ensure offer all our patients a safe, effective, responsive, caring and well lead environment. If you have suggestions of how we can improve further please do get in touch here Suggestion Form

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Further information can be found at:  

S4Nd – Society for Neurodiversity - www.s4nd.org offers peer support groups that are run by and for neurodiverse people. Groups are held monthly on Sundays using Zoom between 2:30-4pm.  In addition, they offer one to one sessions on a Sunday.

The Brain Charity www.thebraincharity.org.uk/what-is-neurodiversity/ 

The Donaldson Trust Home - The Donaldson Trust (donaldsons.org.uk)

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New for 2025!

We are currently training to become a recognised Learning Disability Friendly Practice.

Please get in touch and let us know if you have an idea to make your visit more enjoyable.

Learning Disability Annual Health Check

Page last reviewed: 19 November 2025
Page created: 02 December 2022