Cervical Screening & Women with Learning Disabilities

2 What is a Learning Disability? A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills with; A reduced ability to cope independently and; Which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development

3 Prevalence Nationally it is estimated 2 - 3% of the population have a learning disability Severe/profound learning disabilities – 210,000 Mild/moderate learning disabilities – 1.2 million Evidence suggests a rise in the number of people with severe learning disabilities over the next 15 years

4 The Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities More likely to die of respiratory disease Higher rates of gastrointestinal cancer Higher prevalence of dementia Higher prevalence of schizophrenia Higher risk of coronary heart disease

5 The Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities More likely to be obese or under weight Poor levels of activity Higher incidence of physical & sensory disabilities Less likely to engage in health screening

6 Barriers to Accessing Screening Communication Low expectation Literacy skills Attitudes & assumptions Fear & anxiety Poor understanding Time Physical environment Poor information Lack of preparatory work

7 Cervical Screening & Women with Learning Disabilities Same right of access Assumptions Ceasing & deferment

8 Good Practice Identify women with learning disabilities Accessible letters, leaflets & information Discussion with woman & carers Preparatory work Referral to Learning Disability Teams if needed Preliminary visits Be clear about issues of consent Reasonable adjustments

9 Consent The Mental Capacity Act (2005): 5 Key Principles: 1.Every adult has the right to make their own decisions 2.Everyone should be given all the support they need to make their own decisions

10 Consent The Mental Capacity Act (2005): People should be able to make unwise or eccentric decisions 4.Best interests 5.Restricting rights & freedoms as little as possible