Patients with acute learning disabilities and autism have been invited to get their Covid-19 vaccinations at accessible and supportive appointments at the Peepul Centre in Leicester, as part of the LLR vaccination programme.
The sessions, protectively organised and run by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), were set up quickly to enable patients with learning disabilities and autism, who had not already had their vaccine, to get one in a comfortable environment.
This week, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons (February 24-26), patients were welcomed by specialist nurses and support staff at the Orchardson Avenue venue.
Helen Thompson, director of Families, Young People, Children’s Services and Learning Disabilities at LPT, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to act quickly to welcome our patients with learning disabilities and autism to get their first Covid vaccination in an environment which is relaxed and positive.
“Our amazing staff have worked really hard to ensure the appointments are calm, quiet and supportive. We had specialist nurses on hand to administer the vaccines and the appointments were longer than usual so patients received additional tailored support that didn’t feel rushed or uncomfortable.
“We know that providing these sessions will bring a huge sense of relief to many families and people in the community and we are delighted to have received wonderful feedback from patients who have already attended their appointment.”
Another session is being planned for Thursday 4 March, for those unable to attend an appointment this week. Any patient who is interest in attending, but hasn’t received an invitation, should speak to their learning disability health professional.
People with learning disabilities are being invited to receive their vaccination as part of the latest cohort. They will receive a number of choices of where to book, including their GP and the Peepul Centre.