Sensory and Learning Disability Access Awareness Sessions for GP Practices

GP practices in England are urged to sign up practice team members for access awareness sessions being held across the country.

A series of two hour sessions aimed at increasing equality of access will be commencing in August through the Practice Management Network (PMN) across England.

This initiative has been developed in response to the Department of Health GP Access Awareness Responsiveness programme. It is led by the UK Vision Strategy and the Practice Management Network and has been designed in conjunction with leading charities to build on "Improving Access, responding to patients: A "how-to" guide for GP Practices".

The project aim is to focus practice teams on the relevant issues of accessibility for people with sensory and learning disabilities and promote active involvement in the development of access and communication within the GP Practice. Sessions will:

~ Increase staff awareness of access and communication requirements of people with sensory and learning disabilities.

~ Develop awareness champions within practices to promote improvement of access for people with sensory and learning disabilities.

~ Promote and make available the DVD training resource "Effective Communication Equal Access for All", which sets the context for these sessions.

~ Develop valuable links with the local voluntary sector.

Sessions are available free of charge and will be led by PMN facilitators. Practices will be invtied to apply for places for staff to attend (limited to 2 places per Practice) and they will bring the learning back to their practice. Voluntary sector representatives will be invited to attend to enhance relationships with practices and support work resulting from this learning.

Access Awareness for Practices is supported by an online tool equipped with a wealth of useful resources to signpost practice staff to further information. This online tool hosts specific patient questionnaires to assess practice accessibility which may be used to contribute to the Patient Participation Directed Enhanced Service.

"As a pilot practice I can recommend these awareness sessions. They offer a practical resource to practice teams and emphasise the importance of working closer with the voluntary sector to ensure all patients receive the best quality of service possible" says Sandy Gower, Practice Management Network Chariman.

For further information, including booking places, please contact Phil Ambler by e-mail: phil.ambler@rnib.org.uk