Reasonable Adjustments & the Digital Flag (RADF)
The Equality Act (2010) states all organisations including health and social care, such as hospitals and GP surgeries must make changes to remove the barriers individuals face because of disability. These changes are called reasonable adjustments.
Under the Equality Act, disabilities are a “physical or mental impairment” which has a “substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”
Reasonable adjustments can be things like:
· making sure there is good access for people who use a wheelchair.
· providing plain English or easy read appointment letters
· giving someone a priority appointment if they find it difficult waiting.
· offering a longer appointment if someone needs more time to make sure they understand the information they are given.
The Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag (RADF) is a national record which indicates that Reasonable Adjustments are required for an individual.
NHS England have built the Digital Flag in the NHS Spine to enable health and care professionals to record, share and view details of Reasonable Adjustments across the NHS, wherever the person is seen and /or treated.
Benefits of having an RADF…
ü Immediately and visibly shows your reasonable adjustments to healthcare staff.
ü Optionally details other significant impairments and underlying conditions that should be considered during care.
ü Can reduce stress for the patient and their carers by having information available wherever they need treatment.
To ask for Reasonable Adjustments and a Digital Flag, either:
a. Contact your GP surgery and ask for a questionnaire.
b. Download one of the below questionnaires and take into your GP surgery once completed (WLPCN practices only).
Tier 3 Mounjaro Information
Please see below information regarding the Tier 3 Mounjaro weight loss medication:
There has been significant media coverage of weight loss drugs, and we recognise that this has meant many enquiries to request to prescribe.
There are an estimated 3.4 million eligible patients nationally. The treatment for the management of overweight and obesity will be made available in phases to help manage demand on existing services and ensure staff are appropriately trained and able to give patients the support they require.
We are not able to prescribe this drug in primary care other than for those who are living with diabetes who need their therapy optimising and even for people living with diabetes, doses greater than 5mg need specialist recommendation ( from the community diabetes service or Leeds teaching hospitals).
Tirzeaptide for overweight and obesity has been approved for a small cohort of people for use in our specialist weight management service, or otherwise termed Tier 3 weight management clinics.
Tirzepatide will not immediately be available and will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it. Initially, Tirzepatide will only be available through NHS services to those who meet the criteria set out by the national institute of clinical excellence. They have prioritised groups who have greatest clinical need. Leeds Practices will be searching and proactively contacting eligible people.
Our Leeds specialist weight management services aim to be able to provide Tirzepatide to those eligible by mid-2025 at the earliest. Timelines are subject to further national guidance being made available and ICB implementation/decision making. We will contact these patients directly so there is no need to contact practices to request GP referral at this stage.
There are a variety of options, non-medical, medical and surgical that may be suitable for treatment of overweight and obesity for people. Tirzepatide might not be suitable for everyone and not everyone who meets the eligibility criteria will want to use it to support their weight loss. A healthcare professional within the specialist weight management services will discuss the most appropriate care and support, based on individual patient’s need.
Some patients will want to try to access this drug privately. If you choose to explore this, we urge you to find a CQC registered facility with medical cover to help you and to inform us that you are taking any private weight management drugs so we can record this on your notes.
Weight loss drugs are just one option available to support patients in managing overweight and obesity. Information on local support available for healthy diet, weight and physical activity is available on the Weight Management Service (WMS) tab.
The NHS website provides advice and information to patients about improving their lifestyle and losing and managing their weight safely by eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity. Obesity – NHS.
We hope this information helps you.
West Leeds Primary Care Network
Weight Management Service
Below is a list of Weight Management Services, Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Services, as well as support group information put together by our Weight Management Health and Wellbeing Coach and our Diabetes Dietitian.
Motivation and Goal setting
BDA Mindful Eating
Daily Food Diary
Weekly Food Diary
Weekly Meal Planner
BEAT Emotional Overeating
We have an exercise referral schemes if you are interested in being referred:
https://active.leeds.gov.uk/active-leeds-health/leap – Sit down informative meeting with instructor then help with swim, gym, classes & reduced membership (around £6 per month for first 6 months)
Not keen on the gym? Try some free at home workouts:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64