A new leaflet has been launched in conjunction with the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) and the Norah Fry Research Centre. The leaflet, which is illustrated with simple pictures throughout, aims to help people with learning disabilities or low literacy to understand the range of services which can be offered by their local community pharmacist, and encourages them to ask questions about their medicines.

There are about 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability, but research by the Norah Fry Centre has shown that many people with learning disabilities lack knowledge about why they are taking medication, what it’s for and what the potential adverse effects might be. The research also showed that the information people with learning disabilities receive about their medication is generally given by carers, who are generally only trained in the practical administration of the medication, not in the broader issues about why it was prescribed or what side effects there might be. In this context, pharmacists are a very valuable, accessible local resource to help with answering questions and offering advice.

The leaflet will be distributed by AAH Ltd to all their 3000 or so community pharmacy customers across the UK, and is also available to order (free of charge) from the Department of Health Publications Order Line on 08701 555455, quoting reference 40587. AAH have kindly sponsored the printing and distribution costs.  If you would prefer to download the leaflet, please click here.

(Please note that this file is very large and may take some time to download. We hope to have a smaller version available soon).