The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) Collaborative have produced two videos this week to dispel myths and provide reassurance as part of Learning Disability Week and Cervical Screening Week.
The first video aims to separate facts and myths around cervical screening. It features people with learning disabilities in conversation with a local GP who answers many common questions people have, including whether a smear test is needed if the person has had an HPV vaccination and if a person needs to have a test if they have not had sexual intercourse.
The second video shares an experience of a cervical screening appointment, which illustrates what happens and aims to help with the anxiety that some people may have prior to booking or attending an appointment.
Paula Watts, Primary Care Liaison Nurse at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, who was involved in the production of the films, said: “It’s so important that we raise awareness of cervical screening especially for those with learning disabilities. We hope these videos can provide information to support people who are booking and attending their appointment.”
The LDA Collaborative is led by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and works alongside the LLR Integrated Care Board, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council as well as the local voluntary sector and primary care services. Working together, the Collaborative’s aim is to transform services to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people in our community.
Further help and easy read materials can be found on the NHS Cervical Screening Website. Help for people with learning disabilities, their parents and carers is available across the city and two counties. Please visit the Health and Wellbeing Partnership website for more information.
