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16
Feb 2021
Women far less likely to receive cervical screening in Leeds if they have learning disabilities
Data from NHS Digital has revealed that of 207 women with registered learning disabilities in the NHS Leeds CCG area who were eligible for cervical screening, only 68 received the health check in 2019-20 – an update of just 33 per cent compared to 69 per cent among women who did not have a disability.
However, it is believed that the true number may be higher, as only a small proportion of patients in the CCG area were covered in this data.
Cervical cancer charity Jo’s Trust warn that a shortage of accessible information for people with disabilities and awareness among some healthcare professionals are just some of the potential reasons fuelling a nationally low update.
A spokesperson for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group said “As part of our ongoing work to address health inequalities, the CCG has prioritised healthcare for people with learning disabilities.
“A vital part of this work is the annual health check. This includes a physical check-up, blood and urine tests, a discussion about staying well, checking on any long term conditions and also checking that vaccinations and screening – including cervical screening – are up to date.
“We recognise that for people with a learning disability, uptake is generally low for all screening programmes and is most marked in cervical screening.
“We are working with health and care colleagues from a range of NHS, council, learning disability and cancer organisations so that we can improve the support, communication and training available for care providers, patients and families.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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