Learning disability health: a proactive approach to accessible primary care

Vollständiger Abstract

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People with learning disabilities experience significant health inequalities, including earlier mortality from preventable causes. In primary care, general practice nurses are well placed to reduce these inequalities by making accessible consultations and preventative interventions a core professional duty. This article outlines practical reasonable adjustments that can be made before, during and after consultations, focusing on two examples where access barriers frequently arise: respiratory vaccination and cervical screening. Strategies include accessible invitations and information, flexible appointment delivery, reduced sensory load, desensitisation approaches, supported decision making and proactive follow up. By embedding these adjustments into routine systems, such as annual health checks and long-term condition reviews, practice nurses can reduce exclusion, prevent avoidable delays and improve engagement.