Helping Healthcare Professionals Get to Know You

A Learning Disability Health Passport is a document that contains important information about you, your health needs and the support you require.

The passport helps healthcare professionals understand how best to support you when you access healthcare services, attend appointments or stay in hospital. It provides information about your communication needs, medical history, daily routines, preferences and the people who are important to you.

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Why Use a Learning Disability Health Passport?

Every person is different. The passport helps ensure healthcare professionals understand what matters to you and how to provide the best possible care.

Using a Health Passport can help:

• Improve communication with healthcare professionals.
• Reduce the need to repeat important information.
• Support reasonable adjustments.
• Help staff understand your health needs.
• Improve safety and quality of care.
• Ensure your preferences and routines are considered.
• Support person-centred care.

The passport can be shared with healthcare teams, hospitals, GP practices and other professionals involved in your care.

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What Information Does the Passport Include?

The passport contains important details such as:

• Personal information and emergency contacts.
• Allergies.
• GP details.
• Information about family members, carers and advocates.
• Communication needs.
• Medical history.
• Medication information.
• Health conditions and diagnoses.
• Information about how you like to be supported.

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Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing

The passport includes information that helps healthcare professionals understand:

• How you communicate.
• How you show pain or distress.
• What happens when you are unwell.
• How to support you if you feel anxious or upset.
• How you take medication.
• Any healthcare interventions you require.
• Your usual health observations and routines.

This information can help ensure you receive the right care in the right way.

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Information About Daily Living

The passport also provides space to record information about:

• Moving around safely.
• Eating and drinking support.
• Personal care needs.
• Continence support.
• Sensory needs.
• Sight and hearing support.
• Oral care and dental hygiene.
• Sleep routines.
• Religious, cultural or spiritual needs.
• Access to technology.

These details help healthcare professionals understand your everyday needs and preferences.

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Things That Matter to You

A key part of the passport is helping staff understand you as a person.

You can include information about:

• Things that make you feel happy, safe and comfortable.
• Things that may cause anxiety or distress.
• Foods and drinks you enjoy.
• Foods and drinks you do not like.
• Important routines and preferences.

This helps ensure care is personalised and respectful.

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Who Should Complete the Passport?

The passport can be completed by:

• The individual.
• Family members.
• Carers.
• Support workers.
• Healthcare professionals working with the person.

It is important to keep the information up to date so healthcare teams always have access to the most accurate information.

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When Should I Use My Health Passport?

You should take your Learning Disability Health Passport with you when:

• Attending hospital appointments.
• Visiting your GP.
• Accessing community healthcare services.
• Receiving emergency care.
• Staying in hospital.

Sharing the passport with healthcare professionals can help improve communication and support safer care.

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Need Further Support?

If you need help completing your Learning Disability Health Passport or would like further information, please contact your local Learning Disability Team.

Sirona Community Learning Disability Team
Telephone: 0300 124 5888
Email: sirona.bcldtadviceline@nhs.net

The passport is also available in accessible formats, including Easy Read versions.