Learning disabilities

There are specialist NHS services which support you to get the health care that you need.

An annual health check

Everyone with a long term health condition is entitled to an annual health check with your GP surgery from the age of 14.

If the GP knows you have a learning disability an appointment will be arranged. Sometimes a GP may not know about your learning disability. At any time you can ask to be placed on the learning disability register and then ask for an annual health check.

A health passport

The healthcare professionals working with you and your family can help you make a health passport.

This online and paper document lists information that will help you share what reasonable adjustments might help you feel more comfortable when meeting medical and care staff and while you are in hospital.

To get support to create your own passport please talk to one of your health care professionals or carers or you can download and fill in one on your own from our health passport webpage.

Learning disability liaison

Learning disability liaison teams are based at both Musgrove Park and Yeovil hospitals.

If you need to go to hospital for a planned or emergency reason, you or an adult close to you can ask this service for support.

The liaison officer’s job is to improve the experience and results for you by making sure reasonable adjustments are made for you.

For example they can work with the ward/department to:

  • help with communication
  • insure the best interest decisions are made in regard to:
    • mental capacity
    • advocacy
    • safeguarding
    • consent,
  • help with eating and drinking needs
  • help with mobility needs
  • help with sensory issues
  • help with talking to other professionals

Anyone with a learning disability can get help from this service.

Contact Musgrove Park Hospital on 07825 193448 or email LDLiaison@somersetft.nhs.uk

Contact Yeovil Hospital on 07584 115218 or email Lee.summers@somerset.nhs.uk

For more information see our learning disabilities liaison team webpage.

Adult learning disabilities community service

Once you are nearly 18 the adult learning disabilities community service may start to talk about what healthcare and support you will need as an adult in the community (not from the hospital).

An NHS or Social Care member of staff often makes the referral but self-referrals can also be made.

Specialist health learning disabilities team

The specialist health learning disabilities team have staff from lots of different professions
including:

  • physiotherapy
  • nursing
  • speech and language
  • occupational therapy
  • psychiatry
  • psychology
  • assistant practitioners (support workers with experience and skills for working with learning disabilities
  • primary care liaison team

Like other NHS services, your needs will be assessed and a decision made about:

  • who will help
  • what help will be given
  • for how long.

The learning disability team aims to help you be as independent as possible so will help you use the same NHS services that everyone does.

The team may work with other professionals and people that matter, to help them better understand the your needs.

The team may provide support directly or refer you to other support service if needed

Neurodiversity

More people are being diagnosed with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse disorders. There are very long waits for diagnosis.

Autism

Autism is not a learning disability although some people with autism may also have a learning disability.

There is a diagnostic service for autism and no specialist service afterwards. Young people will be directed to community support and advocacy services.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

If a young person is diagnosed with ADHD, medication and treatment options will be discussed.

Patients moving to a neighbouring hospital for their adult care may find the transition process is different. Please discuss this with those currently providing your care.