We are creating one integrated specialist learning disability service to offer better, more streamlined and timely support to people with learning disabilities in Sheffield, replacing three teams which were previously running separately.

The new Specialist Community Learning Disabilities service (SCLD) will offer both standard and enhanced pathways which will be provided in a community setting, close to people’s homes.

The standard offer includes core aspects of care which support day to day living for people with learning disabilities.

The enhanced pathway will provide a high priority response to cases that require more intensive support, with the aim of avoiding hospital admissions for people with learning disabilities.

Access to the service is being streamlined, with one entry route for every referral or query. Anybody can complete a referral, either by filling in a form or by calling the service. These referrals will be seen within the daily central hub, where a multidisciplinary team will assess and allocate these onto the most appropriate care pathway.

The service will have bases at both Grenoside Grange and Firshill Rise.

The service’s capacity will be constantly checked to make sure that we are always able to respond to offer support in a timely way to people.

The SCLD will reduce waiting times, provide access based on a person’s specific needs, and improve contact between a named person at the service, service users and their families or carers.

To achieve this new model, we will be increasing the number of staff in every discipline. We will also be offering development opportunities to current staff members to help them be fully equipped to provide the best care possible.

We have put this model together in coproduction with people with lived experience of using learning disability services, carers, SHSC staff and wider NHS and social care experts.

We plan to start working in these ways from this winter, with these being fully up and running by mid-2025.