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Improving access to healthcare for people with learning disabilities

All services within CNWL are available to people with a learning disability. The Trust has a responsibility to ensure that all people with a learning disability have access to appropriate services and to ensure that treatment offered is based upon the best interests of the individual.

Protocol for improving access to healthcare for people with a learning disability

CNWL has developed a protocol which supports clinicians when determining whether a service user has a learning disability and ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made when necessary. A copy of the protocol can be found below:

Treatment for mental health problems: what is available?

CNWL offers a range of health and social care services across 10 London boroughs and in Milton Keynes. We specialise in caring for people with mental health problems, addictions and learning disabilities, as well as providing community health services to residents in Hillingdon, Camden and Milton Keynes, and primary care services in a number of prisons.

There are many ways of managing mental health problems. The document below provides information on the most common forms of treatments and services that are available, as well as common side effects of antipsychotic medication:

How to get an appointment

NHS hospitals, clinics and specialist services generally need a referral from a GP before they can offer an appointment, except when accessing sexual health clinics or accident or emergency (A&E) treatment. CNWL services take referrals from GPs, though in some cases referrals may come from other sources or self-referral/drop-in appointments may be available. It is best to check with the specialist service. Check the Services section or ask your GP for help. 

The GP will make a referral (by letter, fax or telephone) and this will give the specialist service essential background information. As soon as the service receives the referral they will make contact by telephone or letter to offer an appointment at a mutually convenient time. At this point it is a good idea to let the service know if there are any special requirements, for example, bringing a family member, carer or friend, needing an interpreter/translator, easy read information or  information about access or parking, etc.

Reasonable adjustments

The Trust has a legal duty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ for people with learning disabilities. Reasonable adjustments include removing physical barriers to accessing services but more importantly also include changing the ways in which services are delivered to support people with learning disabilities.
Read examples of reasonable adjustments offered by the Trust (opens PDF).