Portmill Surgery is proud to have been accredited the Purple Star Award back in December 2023. We can offer our patients with Learning Disabilities a range of reasonable adjustments to ensure that they get the support they need from us. Such adjustments can include: 

• Longer appointment times
• Use of a quiet room instead of the normal waiting areas
• Appointments times during the surgeries 'quiet times'
• Easy read documents 
• Appointing a preferred person for us to contact 

Purple Star Certificate Dec 23- Dec 25

How to ask for support?

If you would like to talk about reasonable adjustments for yourself or somebody you care for, please let one of our Care Co-ordinators know. You can do this by phoning our reception team and asking for a call back, or by emailing hweicbenh.care-coordinators.portmillsurgery@nhs.net. Our Care Co-ordinators can also help with any other non-medical issues including, arranging annual review appointment, making referrals to local support and other admin related queries. 

Herts Count Council also offer a wide range of support. More information can be found using the link below. 

Asking for support | Hertfordshire County Council

Help with your health | Learning disabilities | Hertfordshire County Council

Have you had your annual health check?

If you are 14 years or over and have a diagnosed learning disability, you are eligible for an annual health check. If you are unsure if you have had this, please contact the surgery and we can check for you.

Before your annual health check, we will ask you to complete a health check questionnaire. If you prefer, you can ask a family, friend or carer to help you with this. Alternatively, one of our Care Co-ordinators can also help you with this. 

Your annual health check includes a review of your blood pressure check, height, weight and an overall review of your physical and mental health. We will also review of any medication you take to check if you still need it and if it is the right amount. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about these checks as we may be able to help make you feel more comfortable. We have included a copy below of what the questionnaire looks like for your annual health check.

annual-health-check-preparation-form-v1-apr-22.docx (live.com)

AHC Easy Read Checklist

Purple Star:

The Purple Folder is available to adults with a learning disabilities. It is a place to record your health information and what is important to you. It also helps medical professionals give you the healthcare and treatment that are best for you. We encourage all of our patients with learning disabilities to bring their Purple Folder along to all of their appointments. 

If you would like more information on the Purple Folder and how to get one, you can speak to one of the Care Co-Ordinators, follow the link below or email purplefolder@hertfordshire.gov.uk

The Purple Folder | Hertfordshire County Council

Under 18s:

Preparing for a Healthy Adulthood (hertfordshire.gov.uk)

Easy-to-read documents: 

If you require help getting to the surgery as a wheelchair user click here to see the list of taxis registered with North Herts Council that have wheelchair access.