1. Health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities
15th January 2019
Christine Jordan, Public Health, North Tyneside Council
LD Carer’s Forum

2. Learning Disabilities Population
Over 1.2 million people in England have a learning disability
For North Tyneside there are 1,504 people identified on practice registers as having a LD in

3. Health inequalities of people with learning disabilities
People with learning disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to have health problems than other people
Poorer quality of life
Die at a younger age

4. Causes of health inequalities for people with learning disabilities
Greater risk to poverty, poor housing, unemployment, discrimination and isolation
Increased risk of health problems
Communication difficulties and reduce understanding of health issues
Personal health risks and behaviours such as poor diet and lack of exercise
Problems with access to
healthcare provision

5. National response “Ensure people with learning disability
and/or autism get better support and
can live happier, healthier, longer lives”
“Continue to identify and support carers
particularly those from vulnerable
communities”
NHS Long Term Plan, Jan, 2019

6. Local response
Primary care offer – annual health checks- 73% eligible people receive annual health check in North Tyneside
Specialised offer from Community Learning Disabilities Team
Bespoke support from LD:North
East and North East & Cumbria LD
Network
Local Authority offer - Weight
Worries programme, Healthy for Life
Programme, Active North
Tyneside

7. Local Learning Disabilities Health - Sub Group
Information exchange group
Priority areas:
- Flu planning
- Annual health checks
- Healthy weight/diabetes
- Physical activity
- Cancer screening programmes
- Education and training events

8. What can we do?
Remind public sector services to comply with the Equality and Accessible Information Duties
Improve and establish access to appropriate and supported health and wellbeing services, e.g. access to leisure offer and weight management programmes
Make reasonable adjustments including: larger print; use pictures and symbols; clear and easy to understand information and signs; more time to explain and listen; involvement of carers/family; extended sessions.
Signpost to accessible health information
Workforce training for carers: families

9. Workforce development & training
Primary care training
Learning disability staff
Screening programmes
Carer and families

10. Resources
Easy Health -

11. Community Learning Disability Team
Valerie Barclay
Primary Care Liaison Nurse
Tel:
Mobile:
Kathryn Coxon
Tel: