Mencap launch 'Don't Miss Out' Guides

Over three quarters of people with a learning disability are missing out on vital support at GP surgeries.

Learning disability charity Mencap, in partnership with NHS England, has launched online guides and animations called Don’t Miss Out to raise awareness of the importance for people with a learning disability to be placed on their GP’s learning disability register. 

Just 23% of people with a learning disability are registered as having a learning disability with their GP and just 44% receive an Annual Health Check. This is despite well documented evidence of the health inequalities experienced by people with a learning disability, with 1,200 avoidable deaths every year. 

If people with a learning disability tell their GP’s they have a learning disability they are entitled to extra help. This can include: 

• Extra time for appointments 
• Easy Read information that is accessible  
• Annual Health Checks that help to maintain health, detect conditions and illnesses and help GPs to understand how to provide better care to patients with a learning disability. 
  
  

For more information visit www.mencap.org.uk/dontmissout   

Date Posted: Wednesday 26th April 2017 @ 09:12