Empowering voices: examining Healthcare Access for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in Southwark

This is a report from Healthwatch Southwark. 

This project examines the accessibility of healthcare services for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in Southwark. It was prompted by evidence that adults with learning disabilities face notably poorer health outcomes compared to adults who do not have a learning disability (Southwark Council 2018; Learning from Lives and Deaths 2021; Office of National Statistics 2022; Healthwatch England 2022).

The research involved a written survey capturing the experiences of service users, carers, and service providers regarding healthcare access across Southwark. Three Café Conversations events were held to gather in-depth insights and collaboratively brainstorm solutions. In total, 104 individuals participated. 

Key findings included

• Staff-related issues
• Patient-centred issues
• Operational issues
• Social factors

There are recommendations in this report

1. Training. Provide training about learning disabilities and autism to all patient-facing staff delivering healthcare services.

2. Sharing Information. Facilitate and promote sharing information about services and support available for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults. This should include voluntary and community sector support, and adult social care.

3. Communications. Healthcare services should audit and improve the accessibility of their communications with service users and carers.

4. Operational Issues. Implement measures to deliver a consistent standard of care across healthcare services that adheres to the Accessible Information Act 2016.

There are follow up actions in this report. The report will be shared widely and also a response from the provider will be requested and uploaded to the website if received.