Increasing health checks uptake among learning disability patients
NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is working with the local NHS England Area Team to ensure that we achieve as close to a 100% uptake of health checks for patients with Learning Difficulties (LD) as possible.
Whilst the CCG is disappointed that data shows LD health check uptake continues to be very low in Thurrock, the borough still has the highest percentage of completed health checks across Essex. However we are not complacent. We are thankful for the pressure that our local Healthwatch and other community groups continue to shine on this matter. Last week, the CCG was present at a meeting hosted by Healthwatch Thurrock that was attended by Ian Ross, the new lead for ‘Enhanced Services’ for the Essex Area Team; these are additional services that GPs do not offer as part of their core contract – LD health checks come under these services.
Ian pledged to significantly increase the numbers of patients with learning disabilities who have their annual health check. He said: “Last year these health checks were delivered to about 45% of this patient group in Thurrock; this simply is not acceptable and the Area Team will be doing everything we can to make sure that figure increases, the national target is 70% although my goal as lead will be to achieve a lot higher than that.”
The CCG’s Executive Nurse, Jane Foster Taylor, said: “We are making arrangements with our community providers and area team to ensure 100% access to LD health checks for patients. We are fortunate that many of our GPs are committed to offering this service to their LD patients.”
Jane continued: “In the event of a GP not offering the service at your practice please contact Thurrock CCG for a solution. You can call 01375 365 810 or email: [email protected] and someone will help you.”
