To improve access to adult and cancer screening programmes for people with a learning disability and/or autism, the NHS England London Region Adult & Cancer Screening Commissioning Team, share guidance, resources and training opportunities for practices and screening providers across London.

People with a learning disability and/or autism often have lower screening uptake. While some screening provider IT systems may limit the recording of additional care needs (ACNs), the ongoing rollout of the Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RADF) will help identify and communicate the specific adjustments patients require throughout the screening pathway. Keeping patients’ additional care needs up to date across all systems and ensuring RADFs are recorded where possible will support more personalised care.

Training and resources available include:

• Cancer Care and Screening for People with a Learning Disability – a self-paced module covering communication, consent, improving access, and practical adjustments in primary and secondary care
• Flagging Reasonable Adjustments: Everything You Need to Know – training and resources for all staff
• Population Screening Guidance – information on improving access and available support.

NHS England encourages GP practices and screening providers to identify, record and regularly review reasonable adjustments with patients, maintain accurate ACN records, and apply a RADF where appropriate. Accurate and up-to-date information helps screening services prepare for patients’ needs, improves accessibility, and supports more equitable screening experiences, helping to increase uptake among these populations.

For further information or support, contact the Adult & Cancer Screening Commissioning Team, NHS England London Region