Learning Disability Star Award

Headlands Surgery had been presented with the Learning Disability Star Award in recognition for its work with people with learning disabilities and autism. In order to qualify they had to demonstrate they were hitting several criteria around accessibility, patient feedback and having a Learning Disability Champion who is trained to meet the needs of this sector of patients.

Faith Dougall is the surgery’s Learning Disability Champion, and she is supported by colleague, Jane Valentine from the practice. The award was presented to the practice team by Emma Darko-Arthur and Michelle Martin who are both Learning Disability Health Facilitators.

Presenting the award Michelle said: ‘Congratulations, this is a real achievement and thank you for the hard work that the practice has done in attaining this.’

Emma said: ‘The award has been running since March 2025. There are four criteria that the practice has to meet including making sure they are providing reasonable adjustments for their patients, having a learning disabilities champion who advocates for patients and work with us.

‘They also have to demonstrate they offer patient-centred care and hit a target of providing at least 75% of annual health checks. The award is ratified by a panel of professional experts and those who are experts by experience and also professional experts. The award lasts for three years and all we ask is that you just keep up the good work!’

Faith, who has been at the surgery since 2023, said: ‘I volunteered for the role as I have family that have learning disabilities such as autism and ASD so I know how important this is. We have just over 100 patients with Learning Disabilities of all age ranges.