A Co-production initiative with Bexley Mencap and the Speaking Up group

There are two parts to this report and each section is presented separately.

Part A look and listen into GP practices to ascertain how learning disability (LD) friendly practices in Bexley are and Part B informs of a Enter and Views into general practice to follow up on Healthwatch Bexley’s Enter and View into GP access in 2014 for the general population.

In relation to Part A, Healthwatch Bexley’s snap shot study into GP access and quality of experience for people with learning disabilities from February 2017, highlighted the vulnerability of people with learning disabilities and that respondents were not always having their needs met. Crucially, the study demonstrated that health checks should be followed up if a person does not attend, with longer appointments if necessary and that understandable information should be provided, taking into account the individual’s needs.

In relation to Part B, Healthwatch Bexley inform that patients continue to have difficulties in obtaining an appointment within a time frame that is acceptable to them. Despite this, almost two thirds of patients are unaware of the extended 8-8 GP service with an overwhelming majority stating they would use it if offered. This highlight the need to make sure patients are routinely offered appointments at the GP hubs, particularly as this service is currently under-used.