Leeds GP encourages people with learning disabilities to seek medical care when needed

The local NHS is urging people with a learning disability to seek medical care when they feel unwell or have any health worries.

Dr Sam Browning, GP and Clinical Lead for Learning Disability at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “People with learning disabilities who may be feeling seriously unwell could potentially be putting their lives at risk by not seeking urgent medical advice or not telling someone how they’re feeling.

“You must call 999 for life-threatening emergencies including chest pain, blackouts, severe blood loss that can’t be stopped, a serious injury, or if you think you’re having a stroke.

“We know that people may still feel anxious about going a GP practice or hospital because they’re worried about catching coronavirus. Please don’t put your health at risk – you’ll be treated in a safe environment and we will do our best to look after you.

“I’d also urge anyone who has any health worries or who is invited to have a routine health check to make an appointment with their GP. These might be done by phone or by video initially, but we’re still here for you when you need us.

“It’s especially important you get in touch with your GP if you have concerns about an ongoing condition or if you have any symptoms you’re worried about such as a lump in your breast, changes in bowel habits, blood in your pee or poo, unexplained weight loss, moles that appear to change or cough that you’ve had for three weeks or more.

“If you’re the carer for someone with a learning disability, please make sure you seek medical care if they are unwell or if you have any concerns about their health.”

NHS Leeds CCG has put together a short animation which shows you what to do if someone is ill or worried about a health concern –  https://youtu.be/yIIWLHunxoQ please share this with friends and family.

Help the local NHS by backing ‘Your NHS is still here for you’ campaign (www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/HereForYou). This reminds local people to seek medical care when they need it, particularly for life changing and life threatening illnesses. Support the campaign on social media by following @NHSLeeds on Twitter, Facebook.com/nhsleeds or nhsleeds on Instagram to share the #NHSHereForYou messages.

Ends

Notes to editor

Your NHS is still here for you information leaflet

This information leaflet provides easy read details on what to do and when to call 999 if you are poorly or worried. NHS Leeds CCG has developed the leaflet in the following three formats: