NHS Hero nominee – Nichola Finney

NHS Hero nominee – Nichola Finney

Health inequalities are being reduced for patients with learning disabilities or autism by a new initiative at Newcastle Central Primary Care Network that may now be rolled out to other areas.

The Tulip Card includes a physical card for patients to carry and also puts an electronic alert on their medical records.

It has been designed as part of the health and inequalities package for Newcastle Central PCN with the aim of allowing patients with a learning disabilities and/or autism the opportunity to access health services with appropriate adjustments being made.

All staff encountering patients have been educated on what the Tulip Card indicates and they now know to slow down, speak clearly and allow for prolonged appointments.

PCN Care Co-ordinator Nichola Finney has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards for her work to drive the project forward.

Her work colleague Emma Boon said: “Nichola passionately supports the LDA community and goes above and beyond to reduce health inequalities. She is the driving force behind the Tulip Card.

“Nichola has meticulously planned, prepared and hosted two roadshows with a third planned for August to promote and engage with NHS health screening services along with organisations and charities from the local community, shining a light on services available to those with an LD.

“These events have been attended by specialists from across the country and she has received nothing but outstanding feedback from medical professionals across the board.

“Her goal for the next 12 months is to make the roadshow an annual event and for the Tulip Card to be implemented in other Primary Care Networks, secondary care and services such as the Police and Fire.”

Nichola said: “It’s nice to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award but I’m very surprised. I hope this helps to spread the word about the Tulip Card even further.”