Bedwell Medical Centre is proud to have been accredited the Purple Star Award in September 2022.
A Purple Star practice is a health service that has been accredited for providing high quality, reasonably adjusted services to adults with learning disabilities. The Purple Star is a trademark that's awarded by Hertfordshire County Council's Health and Community Services.
We aim to meet the health needs of people with learning disabilities by:
- Offering reasonable adjustments
- Offering longer appointments when needed
- Working on a collaborative annual health check process
Other adjustments we can make:
- Easy read documents
- Use of a quiet space instead of the normal waiting areas
- Appointments times during the surgeries 'quiet times'
- Appointing a preferred person for us to contact
How to ask for support?
If you would like to talk about reasonable adjustments for yourself or somebody you care for, please let our practice Learning Disabilities Lead (Karis) know. You can do this by phoning our reception team and asking for a call back.
Karis can also help with any other non-medical issues including, arranging annual review appointment, supporting referrals to local support, referring patients onto Social Prescribing Link Workers and other admin related queries.
Herts Count Council also offer a wide range of support. More information can be found using the link below.
Asking for support | Hertfordshire County Council
Help with your health | Learning disabilities | Hertfordshire County Council
Have you had your annual health check?
If you are 14 years or over and have a diagnosed Learning Disability, you are eligible for an annual health check, which will be with your usual GP. If you are unsure if you have had this, please contact the surgery and we can check for you.
Before your annual health check, we will ask you to complete a health check questionnaire. If you prefer, you can ask a family, friend or carer to help you with this. Alternatively, Karis or one of our Social Prescribing Link Workers can also help you with this.
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. We have included a copy below of what the questionnaire looks like for your annual health check.
Annual Health Check Preparation Tool
AHC Easy Read Checklist
Purple Star:
The Purple Folder is available to adults with a learning disabilities. It is a place to record your health information and what is important to you. It also helps medical professionals give you the healthcare and treatment that are best for you. We encourage all of our patients with learning disabilities to bring their Purple Folder along to all of their appointments.
If you would like more information on the Purple Folder and how to get one, you can speak to Karis, follow the link below or email purplefolder@hertfordshire.gov.uk
The Purple Folder | Hertfordshire County Council
Under 18s:
Preparing for a Healthy Adulthood (hertfordshire.gov.uk)
Easy-to-read documents:
Easy Read Flu Info With Nasal Spray
Breast Checking Info Pack
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Complete Testicle Information Pack
Stay Healthy at Home Checklist
Online Feedback Form:
Purple Star Feedback Form (hertfordshire.gov.uk)