Learning disabilities report, Sheffield

Following concerns expressed to Healthwatch Sheffield the report ‘My Health, My Say’ focussing on the experiences of people with a learning disability using local health and social care services’ was produced in 2017.

Issues were raised with Healthwatch Sheffield concerning the possibility that with changes in service delivery, the needs of this relatively small but vulnerable group and their access to health and social care, services may be overlooked.

Healthwatch Sheffield therefore chose Learning Disability as a priority area and sought to explore the experience of those with a learning disability as they accessed doctors, opticians, chemists, hospital, and social care services.

With the help of Sheffield Mencap & Gateway, the original survey was adapted to make it suitable for people with learning disabilities. 143 responses were received.

The findings of the survey indicate that, in Sheffield, people with a learning disability are generally more satisfied with the availability of appointments and the help or treatment they receive than the general population surveyed in 2014.

A number of key themes emerged around staff attitudes: professionals needing a better understanding of the needs of people with a Learning disability (LD), communication, information and access especially for those with additional physical needs.

This report recommends that a number of areas are addressed to improve the help and care that people with a learning disability receive from health and social care services. This list of recommendations is broken down into various different aspects and shown in a table highlighting those considered responsible for taking action against each recommendation.

This report should inform providers and commissioners of health and social care services in Sheffield in addition to being of interest to the public.