Equality, Capacity & Safeguarding for GP Trainees (LD)

Introduction

GPs have a duty to:

• Treat all patients with dignity and respect

• Support patients to make informed choices about their care

• Protect vulnerable people from abuse or neglect

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Why It Matters

GP trainees must understand how to:

• Apply equality and diversity legislation

• Assess mental capacity and obtain valid consent

• Recognise and act on safeguarding concerns in adults and children

• Support advance care planning

• Tailor care for individuals with learning disabilities (LD), who often face health inequalities and may lack capacity

Equality & Inclusion

Introduction

The Equality Act 2010 protects patients from discrimination and promotes fair access to healthcare. GPs must understand and apply this law to ensure inclusive, non-discriminatory practice.

Key Principles:

• Unlawful to discriminate based on protected characteristics

• Applies to all healthcare staff and settings

• GPs must reflect on personal biases and challenge discrimination

• Especially important when caring for patients with learning disabilities (LD)

Characteristic	Definition / Example
Age	All ages – young or old
Disability	Physical or mental conditions, including LD
Gender reassignment	At any stage of transition
Marriage & Civil Status	Married, civil partnered, or single
Pregnancy & Maternity	Includes pregnancy and breastfeeding
Race	Colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
Religion or Belief	Includes...