A fast track path improves access to palliative care for people with learning disabilities.
People with learning disabilities often experience inequalities in accessing general health services. This group, their families and carers need access to effective palliative care when facing a life limiting illness. This article describes the development and implementation of a fast track referral pathway for people with learning disabilities at St Francis Hospice in Essex. Our aim is to share this pathway so others can replicate the collaborative working to improve access to palliative care services for this group.
Whitington
Jane
J
Outer North East London Community Services. jane.whitington@havering.gov.uk
Ma
Peng
P
D032722:Advance Care Planning; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*