ABSTRACT
Screening clinics are an essential first step in developing a broader-based health promotion strategy for people with learning disabilities. This project has taken three and a half years and has screened 191 people aged between 19 and 65. In total, 176 had previously undetected and treatable conditions, and of those who were identified
as being in need of screening most (83%) had more than one condition; only four refused. The nurses conducted the screening in a sensitive manner, taking time to build up a rapport with the client. The procedures carried out varied according to the individual need. Service users had blood pressure, weight and body mass recorded; urine tests on site; urine and blood samples (full blood count, thyroid function and serum cholesterol) taken for analysis; anti-convulsant and lithium levels tested as appropriate; and assessment of hair, eyes and vision, skin, mouth, ears and hearing, breasts and testicles.
