SUPPORT NEEDED: VODG is calling on the #health and #socialcare workforce to share their views on how we can reduce the reliance on psychotropic medications

The essential role of the health and care workforce in reducing reliance on psychotropic medications – ‘STOMP’ and ‘STAMP’

STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a learning disability, autism or both) and STAMP (Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics) are national projects, launched by NHS England and involving many different organisations, aiming to stop the overuse of psychotropic medicines. 

It is estimated that on an average day in England between 30,000 and 35,000 people with a learning disability, autism or both are taking prescribed psychotropic medication without appropriate clinical justification. 

This is a medication which results in alterations to perception, mood or consciousness. Long-term use of these medicines puts people at unnecessary risk of a wide range of side effects including weight gain, organ failure and even premature death.

We have launched a questionnaire to hear from colleagues across the health and care sector, including family carers, about your experiences of using STOMP and STAMP within your job roles and how awareness and understanding of STOMP and STAMP could be improved. 

Understanding the views of health and care professionals with experience in supporting people is essential to identifying opportunities and building solutions to prevent the overuse and inappropriate use of psychotropic medications.

The questionnaire is open now until Friday 16 December 2022.

This project is a collaboration between VODG, the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)Learning Disability England (LDE) and Skills for Care and is funded by Health Education England. 

Find out more on our project page here: www.vodg.org.uk/resource/stomp-and-stamp-the-essential-role-of-the-health-and-care-workforce-in-reducing-the-reliance-on-psychotropic-medication.html   If you have questions about the survey or would prefer to talk through your views with a researcher, please email research.policy@vodg.org.uk

Influencing Urgent and Emergency Health Care across Kent

Have you or someone you know used Ambulance, A&E or other emergency services?

Do you think there are ways to improve these services for people with learning disabilities?

Then the English Centre for Practice Development and East Kent Hospitals would like to invite you two one of three events in September.

10th September  Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury 4- 5pm

11th September  William Harvey Hospital, Ashford 4 – 5pm

12th September QEQM Hospital Margate 4 – 5pm

This is an opportunity to be part of the transformation of the workforce across Kent for the future in relation to the provision of a seamless integrated urgent and emergency care service.

Please reserve your place by contacting Lisa Sheene via either email:  lisasheene@nhs.net or telephone 01843 225544 Ext 62257.

If there is further information you would like about the project please feel you can contact Dr Kim Manley via email: kim.manley@nhs.net or 01227 766877

 

 

East Kent Outpatients Consultation – Easy Read

East Kent Hospitals and Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group have just begun a consultation on the future of Outpatients services in East Kent.

The consultation is eager to hear the opinions of people with learning disabilities, and as such an easy to read document and survey are available, and there are consultation events set up for people to find out more and have their opinion heard.

The easy to read consultation document is available by clicking on the below picture.

Outpatients Consultation  easy read pictureThe easy to read survey is available by clicking on the below page.

Outpatients surveyMake sure you have your say and share this information with others who might be interested!