TRAINING PACKAGES TO IMPROVE CANCER SCREENING UPTAKE IN PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

There is evidence that people with a learning disability have a lower uptake in cancer screening programmes compared to the general population.

The project aims to reduce inequalities by improving awareness and understanding of screening amongst those with a learning disability and also amongst carers (both paid and unpaid) in Lancashire. Training will also aid the screening providers themselves to understand the needs of the services users and to address reasonable adjustments which can be put in place to improve access for those with a learning disability.

NHS England Lancashire and Greater Manchester are seeking expressions of interest from organisations to:

Develop and deliver a training package to be delivered to learning disability providers/organisations and screening providers to cascade to screening staff;

Develop and deliver a training package which will equip self-advocates with knowledge and information which they can cascade to their peers and encourage people to attend for screening;

Develop and produce a resource pack with input from self-advocates. Utilising existing materials and develop new materials where appropriate (e.g. Storyboards) which can be used with carers/ GP practices and service users.

Successful applicants will have previous experience in working with people with a learning disability and will work closely with the Screening & Immunisation Team and various stakeholders to develop the training package for the Lancashire population.

Training will increase knowledge amongst providers and self-advocates to cascade information about breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, bowel cancer screening, diabetic eye screening and abdominal aortic aneurysm screening to encourage uptake in all programmes.

Estimated length of the contract: 5 months from start but must be completed by the end of March 2016.

Contract type: Fixed term

Estimated value of the contract: £26,500

Who to contact:

Carol Ann McElhone

Public Health Programme Manager NHS England Lancashire and Greater Manchester Preston Business Centre,

Watling Street Road,

Preston, PR2 8YD

Direct dial: 01138254782

Mobile: 07899065522

Email: carolann.mcelhone@nhs.net

Submissions should be submitted to carolann.mcelhone@nhs.net by 26 October 2015.