Primary care networks in the Wakefield area worked with colleagues across the voluntary and statutory sectors to improve engagement with people registered with a learning disability by understanding the challenges and barriers they face when accessing primary care services. We also wanted to reach out to carers and families, and those not currently accessing services or being registered as having a learning disability.
What we did
Invitations were shared across the primary care networks (PCNs) and were specific for their geographical areas. This was to make sure that we reflected the services and support that would be available for each session and to make it as relevant to those attending and their families as possible.
These One Stop Shop events were built upon the success of the health cafes that had previously taken place and championed by the Community Learning Disability Team. For the PCN led sessions, we used a multi-disciplinary approach, showcasing holistic services from across the Wakefield system with interactive stands, stalls, and demonstrations, with appropriate reasonable adjustments.
A wide spectrum of services were involved in providing information, support and referrals including a wide range of health, social care and voluntary sector organisations and more.
Staff helped to escort attendees around the stands and stalls aiding meaningful engagement and discussion, recognising personalised approaches as being the golden thread that allows the clinician to truly share the person’s experience.
Personalised folders were offered to each attendee with a learning disability, and they were encouraged to start to complete the folders as an interactive part of the event, providing opportunities for assistance in completion of the Health Action Plan as part of the Annual Health Review.
The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust VIP passports were given out and contact details were recorded to make sure that the reasonable adjustment flag could be added to clinical notes. COVID-19 vaccinations and Annual Health Reviews were carried out as well as structured medication reviews.
Positive feedback was received from colleagues involved in these events and potential partnership working arrangements were forged.
What happens next
It is intended that learning will be shared with those PCNs who have not been involved in this project, considering best practice guidance for completion of annual health review.
Active referrals were initiated from the events including for health screening, specialist health services, exercise sessions, self-management support courses, to Social prescribing link workers and for carer registration within GP practices.