Patients with learning disabilities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now receiving improved healthcare thanks to dedicated Learning Disability Care Coordinators at GP practices.
The coordinators work directly with patients and their families to ensure they receive the right care at the right time, helping to overcome barriers that can often lead to poorer health outcomes.
The role focuses on improving health and wellbeing by creating personalised action plans that outline each patient’s health goals for the year ahead. Coordinators also prepare patients for annual health checks and connect them with local services, making sure reasonable adjustments are put in place.
Sandie Jones, a Learning Disability Care Coordinator in Hampshire, said:
“I have been working as a Learning Disability Care Coordinator for the last two years and I really enjoy working with our patients to ensure that they get the best out of the local services that are available to them.
“We know that people with learning disabilities often experience poorer health outcomes and face significant barriers to accessing health care. The annual health checks we do are so important in identifying and addressing health concerns early and can ensure that the patients receive the support and treatment that they need.”
The initiative is part of the NHS 10-year health plan, which aims to expand access to community-based care. Local patients can now book appointments with a wider range of healthcare professionals, meaning they can be seen more quickly and receive tailored support.
James Roach, Director of Primary Care and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, added:
“The role of Learning Disability Care Coordinator is such an important role supporting those in our communities who have previously struggled to access the care and the services they need.
“Our Learning Disability Care Coordinators are now an integral part of our GP practices and part of our local NHS 10-year health plan to support more care in the community. They are a central point of contact for patients, their families and their carers and ensure that we provide the right access at the right time for our patients.”
As part of their responsibilities, coordinators:
• Work closely with GPs and primary care teams to identify and manage patients with learning disabilities
• Prepare patients and families for annual health checks and ensure follow-up actions are completed
• Connect patients with local services, ensuring adjustments are made where needed
• Build strong relationships with organisations and individuals with lived experience
The public is also being made more aware of these roles through the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s ‘It Takes a Team’ campaign, which launched in March 2025. The 12-month campaign highlights the different specialists working within GP practices, with Learning Disability Care Coordinators taking centre stage this month.
Anyone who feels they or someone they know could benefit from speaking to a Learning Disability Care Coordinator is encouraged to contact their GP practice.
Further details about the campaign and specialist roles can be found at It Takes a Team.
