Our annual report highlights barriers that people with learning disabilities face accessing health services
We have have been supporting people with learning disabilities by visiting GP and dental practices in Swindon to assess how the services meet their needs.
We were asked by Swindon Borough Council to work with Swindon Advocacy Movement (SAM) to look at different NHS health services from the perspective of someone with a learning disability. Four volunteers, all of whom had learning disabilities, were recruited, fully trained and supported to carry out Enter and View visits.
Healthwatch across England have a statutory power to visit NHS health and social care services with volunteers. Services are asked to respond to recommendations made before a public report is published.
What did we find?
Nine practices were visited in total. The aim of the visits was to look at what was being done well and what needed to be improved upon. Some of the recommendations made were:
- Improved physical access including parking arrangements and door opening
- Provide signs and information in Easy Read, both inside and outside buildings
- Providing longer appointment times
This was a fantastic opportunity, not only to feedback to services about how they can support and meet the needs of someone who has a learning disability, but also for these volunteers to use their ‘lived experience’ to help shape how local services are run.
“We’re hoping that they’ll continue to be involved in future Enter and View visits. We know people with learning disabilities face health inequalities and poorer outcomes when accessing health services. The insight these volunteers have provided is invaluable.”
One of the Healthwatch Swindon quality checkers, Tammy Peapell, said:
“I enjoyed doing the work. It will make a lot of difference to those with learning disabilities.”
Dawn Dixon, CEO, Swindon Advocacy Movement, said:
"People with learning disabilities face significant health inequalities. Our volunteers worked towards addressing that inequality and achieved a lot from the partnership work between Healthwatch Swindon and SAM on the Quality Checkers project.
“We advised on how signage could be made clearer and advocated for double appointment times for people with learning disabilities. At the same time the volunteers developed valuable skills and confidence. Our members are keen to do more and, together with Healthwatch, we are hoping further funding can be found to support the project.”
The annual report can be read here. The work at each local Healthwatch contributes to work at Healthwatch England in its mission to ensure that people are at the heart of care.
Volunteering
To find out more about volunteering with Healthwatch Swindon call Sam Baker on 01793 497777 or email info@healthwatchswindon.org.uk or click here for more information.
If you are unable to volunteer, you can still make a difference by sharing your experiences of health and social care services with us. No matter how big or small, we want to hear about it.
