Help Boost Health Screening Uptake

17th December 2024

For People with Learning Disabilities

In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, people with learning disabilities are less likely to participate in national screening programmes. These life-saving programmes include cervical, breast, bowel, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and diabetic eye screening.

A project has begun to improve awareness of screening programmes and promote informed choices for people with learning disabilities. It aims to address barriers and improve accessibility. The Inequalities Sensitive Practice Project from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is asking for third-sector organisations to help however they can.

Below you can download copies of Public Health Scotland Easy-Read Booklets, which are great resources to explain screening and what to expect. The booklets cover why participation is important, how the screening is carried out, and the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Please help share these Booklets throughout your services:

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
• Bowel Screening
• Breast Screening
• Cervical Screening
• Diabetic Eye Screening

Mainstay Trust Drama Group created a light-hearted performance promoting bowel screening for those with learning difficulties and staff who work with them. You can watch ‘Ain’t nothin’ but a bowel test. Do it every time’ on the NHSGGC website.

Help increase screening participation

Does your third-sector organisation work alongside people with learning disabilities?

The Inequalities Sensitive Practice Project from NHSGGC is calling for more people aged 50-74 with learning disabilities to take part in screening. They are looking for supporting communities to encourage them and would like to speak to organisations that can help.

If you would be interested in meeting Development Lead Clare Smith to discuss this project please email clare.smith8@nhs.scot

Date for your Diary

Join our Networks

If you are interested in hearing about more opportunities like this, we facilitate a health and social care network you may be interested in joining.

The network has a focus on health and social care services and informs local and national policy work. It has representation on Glasgow’s Integrated Joint Board (IJB), informs and connects with Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership activities such as Maximising Independence. It is open to voluntary sector groups and organisations linked to health, wellbeing and social care. Members are invited to quarterly meetings to discuss relevant policies, services, and local and national developments.

Visit our Networks Page for more information and to join.