We have been working closely with our local Learning Disability Health Teams to obtain the Purple Star Accreditation for recognition of our work supporting those with learning disabilities.

We are committed to making our practice a welcoming, comfortable, and inclusive environment for all patients. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience when visiting the practice, please let us know when you make contact with the surgery.

We will work with you to put reasonable adjustments in place, helping to ensure you have a positive and accessible experience when accessing healthcare. We can add information to your record, so we understand the best ways to talk to you and help you to get the care you need.

If you have a learning disability, you should be on our learning disability register. If you are on the learning disability register, you can get additional support. Mencap have information in diffierent languages, easy read guides, and videos, including the difference between a learning difficulty and and a learning disability - you can access that information by clicking here.

My Health

Hertfordshire County Council and the Learning Disability teams have a website with lots of useful resources on staying healthy - they can be accessed here.

Annual Health Check

If you have a learning disability and you are aged 14 or over, we will offer you an annual health check. We will send a pack in the post with resources to help you prepare for the health check and we often follow up with a phone call to see if you need any support with the documents or getting booked in. Our nursing team conduct the majority of the health checks and depending on what you would like to discuss, they can put you in touch with other professionals as needed.

Your annual health check includes a review of your blood pressure check, height, weight and an overall review of your physical and mental health. We will also review of any medication you take to check if you still need it and if it is the right amount. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about these checks as we may be able to help make you feel more comfortable.

Having a yearly health check means you're less likely to get seriously sick or die from things that can be prevented. Below are links to the preparation resources and a video to help explain what the annual health check is all about.

Annual Health Check Preparation Tool                       Easy Read Annual Health Check Checklist                            Annual Health Check Video

         How to Support Someone with an Annual Health Check                                         Easy Read Flu Vaccine Information

Preparing for Healthy Adulthood

There is specific information available for those aged 11 to 18 years - access the information here.

Your Purple Folder

The Purple Folder is a record of health information about you. It helps doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals to give you the healthcare and treatment that is best for you. We would encourage you to bring this along to all your appointments.

Click here for more information about the purple folder.

If you have not got a purple folder, please email the team on purplefolder@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Carer Support

If you are a carer or if someone depends on you for support - there are additional resources available to help support you in this role and to ensure your own health needs are met. Please refer to our carers page for more information.

How to get help and assistance as a carer

Carer's - In Case of Emergency Information

Feedback on Our Services

We always welcome feedback about our services - if you would like to share your feedback - you can do this online, in person, via email or letter.

Online Form                                                Printable Form                                                  Email - general.bridgecottagesurgery@nhs.net