#Declare Your Care

Healthwatch Barnsley undertook research on the experiences of adults with learning disabilities, and their carers, in receiving health and social care services as part of the Care Quality Commission’s #DeclareYourCare initiative. The engagement took place over two sessions and involved 21 people, including 20 adults with a learning disability and one carer. 

The majority of participants reported that their experiences of GP services, hospital care, social services and care workers were good or satisfactory. Most people said healthcare professionals explained their conditions and treatment to them, and many shared positive experiences of being treated kindly, listened to and supported by carers and healthcare staff. However, some participants reported poor experiences, including a lack of patience from staff, cancelled hospital appointments, difficulties accessing information, and challenges related to communication and disability support. 

The research found that very few participants had made complaints about their care, although most said they would not know how to make a complaint if needed. Awareness of support available to people with learning disabilities was mixed. Most respondents knew about their entitlement to an annual health check, but the majority were unaware of the patient passport and around half did not know about the specialist learning disability nurse available within hospital services. 

The report concluded that people generally viewed their care positively but identified a need for better information about complaints processes and support services for people with learning disabilities. Participants also highlighted concerns about communication, access to hospital services, disability facilities and the availability of qualified sign language support.