This includes health promoting services. GPs will need to make the service aware that the person has a learning disability, and what that will mean for their appointment. This maybe that the carer needs to be included in correspondence, or that longer time may be required or any other ‘reasonable adjustments’.
NHS e-Referrals Service systems, which replaced Choose and Book in June 2015, can be difficult for people with learning disabilities. It’s a good idea to book any appointment using the NHS e-Referral Service with the patient from the surgery.
Community Wellbeing Hubs
North Lincolnshire Council has community wellbeing hubs that provide advice and support for vulnerable adults, young people 16-19 and carers – details for which can be found here: https://www.adultinformationhub.co.uk/s4s/WhereILive/Council?pageId=3423&lockLA=True
North Lincolnshire Council also have a Health and Healthy Lifestyle service, brings together lifestyle support services in one place, making it easier for local people to access help and support for a range of issues at once.
The service can also be accessed in a range of local settings such as local leisure centres, wellbeing hubs, children’s centres and some GP practices.
The service will accept self-referrals as well as referrals from wider agencies such as GPs, nurses and social care. For more information, please go to https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/health-and-healthy-lifestyle/north-lincolnshire-healthy-lifestyle-service/
Referrals can be made by calling or emailing the service: nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net / 01724 298212
Services and information for 0-25 year olds with special needs and disabilities
North Lincolnshire Council has an online portal called ‘North Lincs Local Offer’
This portal contains a variety of resources for children, parents and carers, and professionals. Included is information on referral pathways for therapy support.
More information about the healthcare services available to children residing in North Lincolnshire can be found in our children’s services booklet.
Referral for Adult Social Care
North Lincolnshire Council hosts an Adult Information Hub, which provides information, services and support.
Care Assessments can be requested by completing an online needs assessment. This gives the Adult Services Team vital information about you and the type of support you need. Alternatively you can contact the Adult Services on 01724 297000 and arrange for an assessment in person.
Following the Accessible Information Standard
From July 2016 all health and social care organisations must follow the Accessible Information Standard. This standard tells organisations how they should ensure that disabled patients and, where appropriate, carers and parents receive information in formats that they can understand, and that they receive appropriate support to help them to communicate. The GP should record your patients communication needs, respond to these and inform any services that you refer to about the patient’s communication requirements. More information can be found at: www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/accessibleinfo
Acute Hospital Learning Disabilities Liaison Nurses
Many North Lincolnshire Health Services have easy read information, and most hospitals have a Learning Disability Nurse. The nurse helps the hospitals to respond appropriately to patients with learning disabilities. You should still refer in the usual way to the relevant department. Read more about the Learning Disabilities Liaison Nurses at Scunthorpe and Grimsby Hospitals. You can alert the nurse to the referral or ask the patient or carer to contact them. Not all patients will need the support of the Learning Disability Nurse.
Videos to support hospital visits for people with a learning disability
Healthwatch North Lincolnshire worked with Cloverleaf, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust and Let There Be Light Productions, to produce a short film for people with learning disabilities.
The film called ‘The Hospital Visit’ is an example of what might happen when you attend an outpatient appointment at Scunthorpe General Hospital. The film can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94wiQSbA9Is
Dental referral form and support
Information and advice regarding dental referral can be found on NHS England’s website: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/dentists/dental-treatment-for-people-with-special-needs/
North Lincolnshire CCG’s Learning Disability Services
Specialist Learning Disability Services cover North Lincolnshire and support some people with complex needs. They do not work with everyone who has a learning disability, and do not replace other health services.
The learning disability service covering North Lincolnshire is provided by Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH):
