A TOWN centre GP practice has been honoured for the care it provides to people with learning disabilities.

Dr Iain Glencross’ Fitzwilliam Street practice is the first in Kirklees to receive the high-profile Learning Disability Friendly Award.

The accolade, which has been set up by primary care group, NHS Kirklees, acknowledges the extra effort practices make for those who may struggle to access mainstream GP services.

Dr Glencross said: “As a practice we work hard to give excellent service to all of our practice population.

“We have found our extra efforts and adaptations for our patients with learning disabilities both rewarding and beneficial.

“The assessment visit was well organised and especially valuable for us as the assessing panel included two service users.

“This gave us the chance to get real patient involvement.

“Receiving this award reflects our dedication towards providing quality healthcare to meet our patients’ needs.”

The assessment was carried out by a group of five people – two of whom have a learning disability.

A 10-point checklist for getting the LDF award was developed by people with learning disabilities, carers and workers in Kirklees.

The criteria includes questions on whether practices offer annual health checks for people with learning disabilities, have bright and friendly premises and use communication aids to help understanding, as well as asking if they will book a double appointment if needed.

Vicky Dutchburn, assistant director of mental health and learning disabilities for NHS Kirklees said: “The Learning Disabilities Friendly Award is about making services more equitable for people with a learning disability.

“Having an award like this on show tells people that their practice provides a high standard of care that is tailored to their needs.

“We are piloting this initially with GP practices, with a view to rolling this out into other primary care settings.”

Other practices across Kirklees are now being invited to apply for the LDF award.