A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things throughout their lifetime, affects the way a person understands information and how they can communicate.  This means they can have difficulty:

• Understanding new or complex information
• Learning new skills
• Coping independently

Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.  It is thought up to 350,000 people have a severe learning disability.  This figure is increasing.

Welcome to Watership Down Health

The practice has recently been accredited being a ‘Learning Disability Friendly’ practice.

The page is to support our patients with a learning disability, and we hope this helps your journey when you need GP advice or help.

Dr Caroline Sargeant is our lead GP for learning disabilities.

Our care co-ordinator’s role is currently being recruited.

If you need to attend the practice to see a doctor or nurse here are some pictures of all three practices so you can familiarise with the environment.

Overton Surgery (RG25 3DU)

Welcome to Overton Surgery. This is the GP practice:

This is the entrance to the surgery:

This is reception where you book in:

This is the consulting/treatment room:

Kingsclere Health Centre (RG20 5QX)

Welcome to Kingsclere Health Centre. This is the entrance to the surgery:

This is where you inform the receptionist you have arrived:

This is where you will sit and wait and the doctor will escort you to their room:

This is where you will be seen by the doctor or nurse:

Oakley Surgery (RG23 7HZ)

This is the GP Practice. This is the entrance to the surgery:

This is the reception and waiting room:

This is the consulting/treatment room:

Getting Help and Support

• NHS: Learning Disabilities

Please call us on 01256 770212 (Overton and Oakley) or 01635 296000 (Kingsclere).

Call 999 in an emergency.

Chest pains or shortness of breath are an emergency.

Call 111 when we are closed.

You can email us at hiowicb-hsi.watershipdownhealth@nhs.net.

All three of our surgeries have access for disabled patients, car parking and toilets.

Hearing loops are available.

Translation service is also available.

How do I make an appointment?

You will need to call the practice or ask someone to help you.

Tell the receptionist as much as possible about your problem. The receptionist will pass this information onto a doctor.

If you need urgent care, you will be added to the duty doctor’s urgent list.

You may have a phone call or appointment on the same day. Please try to call us early in the day.

If you have an ongoing medical problem that does not need to be seen on the same day, you will be given a routine appointment with your usual doctor.

Your doctor may phone you, or a receptionist may phone you to arrange an appointment.

If you have been invited for a review clinic appointment the receptionist can book this appointment for you.

We have a team of clinical staff working with the doctors at Watership Down Health.

Clinical Pharmacists work with a Prescribing Team to help with managing your medication.

Advanced Nurse Practitioners are very experienced nurses who have extra clinical training and qualifications.

Musculoskeletal Practitioner (MSK) will help with problems such as joints, bones and muscle problems.

Mental Health Practitioner will help with your mental health. There is a same day telephone service for urgent mental health problems.

Practice Nurses will perform a range of tasks including changing dressings, giving immunisations, etc. They also provide advice on diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Healthcare Assistants carry out blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, heart tracings and other services.

Social Prescribers will offer short-term practical and emotional support to help people improve their wellbeing and quality of life and live independently in their community.

Learning disability and autism

The NHS programme is called transforming care and is all about making health and care services better so that more people with a learning disability, autism or both can live in the community, with the right support and close to home.

This easy read newsletter tells you what the NHS are doing to make the NHS better for people with a learning disability, autism or both.

Get your free Flu Vaccination

The practice runs this yearly campaign from late September until February/March.

It is important to have your flu vaccination, please read the easy guide which will explain more. 

Having a Blood Test

If your doctor or nurse recommends you have a blood test, please read the easy read guide.

• Blood test easy read guide

Having your blood pressure taken

If you doctor or nurse asks to take your blood pressure (BP), please read with guide.

• Having your blood pressure taken

Your Annual Health Check

• NHS health check information – easy read guide

Easy Read Guides and leaflets

• Strep A information
• Questions to ask when you go to the doctors or hospital
• Don’t miss out – Get Better Healthcare Now
• All about asthma
• Breast care for women
• Cervical screening for women
• How to check your testicles for me
• Information and help about constipation
• Helpful guide about diabetes and what you need to do
• Diabetes and looking after your eyes
• Eat well and help for children with a learning disability

Information for those with a Learning Disability

Basingstoke Mencap – www.basingstokemencap.org.uk

Provide groups and clubs for people. Part of this charity is the Greenfingers Project which is a garden project in South Ham, Basingstoke. To attend and get training you need to be fully funded by Hampshire County Council, Adult Services.

Speak Easy Advocacy– www.speakeasyadvocacy.org.uk

Providing you with a voice and to be heard.

Do you need support in being listened to? know your rights. There are groups and 1-1 support available

Basingstoke Disability Forum – www.bddf.org.uk

Run groups and on the website have a fantastic sign posting service to other organisations.

Autism Hampshire – www.autismhampshire.org.uk

Further information and guidance

Active Life Centre – www.basingstokegym.co.uk

Gymnastics and movement session currently £7 a session. Thursday from 10.30am- 12.30pm.

Disability Challengers– www.disability-challengers.org

They run a youth play schemes for 8 – 12 years in the Basingstoke area

Basingstoke Bluefins – www.bbfsc.org

Disability swimming- Sharks squad – provides children and young adults between 8- 18 years the opportunity to swim. Have lessons, join galas. Strong links with Dove House, Saxon Wood, Limington House and Maple Ridge Schools.

Parity for Disability – www.parityfordisability.org.uk

A learning-based day service with trained staff for people aged 18+ suitable for people with profound and multiple disabilities- would need a referral to Adult Services to attend as they would possibly fund. Based in Cove, Farnborough. Also run Easter and Summer programmes in Fleet.

Audley’s Resource Service – 01256 326404

For Adults over 18 years with a learning disability or physical disability based in Basingstoke.

Run by Hampshire County Council. They provide daytime activities and outings. This is a funded placement by Adult Services. Can contact them directly to find out more.

Love 4 Life – www.fitzroy.org/love4life

Is a friendship and dating network for people with learning disabilities and autism. This is run by Fitzroy. Membership fee applies.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust – Health information :: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust

Information on social and medical information for people with a learning disability.