This project aims to improve access to primary care services for people with learning disabilities in Wandsworth.
It involves developing accessible health information, delivering targeted training to primary care staff, and engaging directly with service users to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes.
We are the commissioner in this project, subcontracting Generate and its team of lived experience consultants to deliver the service, including outreach, training, and co-producing accessible health materials.
The contract commenced in 2019.
Key partners include:
- Wandsworth GP Federation
- South West London ICB
- GP Practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
- Consultants with learning disabilities and/or autism
- Community Respiratory Nursing Specialist Service
- Local stakeholders and carers.
We work collaboratively with our partners through co-designing workshops and providing outreach support. GP practices play a leading role in refining the appointment process and implementing reasonable adjustments.
The service benefits patients and service users in the following ways:
- Improved access to annual health checks and screening
- Co-produced, easy-to-understand health information
- Empowerment through better understanding of health conditions and treatments
- Reduced anxiety and improved attendance through accessible media and outreach
- Enhanced communication between patients, carers and healthcare providers.
The benefits of the service for primary care and the wider healthcare system, include:
- Co-designed tools and templates to support inclusive care planning
- Increased uptake of health checks and screening
- Better patient engagement and improved appointment attendance
- Better trained staff who are equipped to support service users.