Manx Care’s Safeguarding Team for Health (Adults) is proud to announce the publication of a landmark report following this summer’s public consultation on healthcare access for people with learning disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. The consultation, which ran from June to July 2025, attracted a response from 151 individuals and families who shared their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future.
The consultation invited people with learning disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and their families to share their views on accessing healthcare in the Isle of Man. Respondents highlighted both positive experiences and significant barriers, including difficulties with appointment booking, communication challenges, and the need for greater staff understanding of disability and neurodiversity.
Key findings
- 63% of respondents said they had avoided seeking healthcare because of previous negative experiences
- 62% were unaware of their right to request reasonable adjustments
- The majority called for alternative appointment booking methods, quieter waiting areas, and more time during consultations
- Training for healthcare staff was a recurring theme, with many asking for greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and disability
- Respondents overwhelmingly supported the introduction of learning disability drop-in clinics and clearer information about health checks and reasonable adjustments
In response, the Safeguarding Team for Health has developed a comprehensive action plan, including:
- Making the Oliver McGowan training mandatory for all Manx Care staff, with advanced training to follow
- Developing a new health passport and accompanying guidance to help individuals communicate their needs
- Creating a 'Reasonable Adjustment' guide for both staff and patients and rolling out regular training sessions
- Working with GP practices to explore and hopefully introduce alternative appointment booking options and ensure reasonable adjustments are recorded and acted upon
- Designing a 'Guide to Your Stay in Hospital' booklet and commissioning videos to help patients prepare for hospital visits or outpatient appointments
- Investing in sensory equipment and exploring the introduction of quiet waiting areas and a bleeper system in the Emergency Department
- Reviewing and enhancing annual health checks, with hopes to extend eligibility and ensure all relevant health needs are addressed
Pete Corkhill, Safeguarding Practitioner for Health and author of the report, said:
'It is evident and beyond doubt that many in our learning disability and neurodivergent community have faced real challenges in accessing healthcare. By listening to your voices and acting on your suggestions, we are committed to making meaningful, lasting change. Our goal is to ensure that everyone receives care that is compassionate, accessible, and tailored to their needs. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences your input is the catalyst for this progress.'
Read the full report, including appendices, and learn more about the planned improvements online.
