NHS Lanarkshire is supporting Scottish Learning Disability Week, which takes place from 7 to 13 September 2026, with activities planned across acute hospital sites and learning disability bases.
The week is a national opportunity to celebrate people with learning disabilities, raise awareness of the barriers they can face, and promote inclusion, understanding and equal opportunities. The Scottish Learning Disability Week website describes the week as a chance to break down barriers, challenge unfair attitudes and build a Scotland where everyone belongs.
Throughout the week, members of the learning disability service will be hosting information stalls at acute sites, with local events also planned at learning disability bases. The activities will give staff, patients, families and carers the opportunity to find out more about learning disability services, ask questions and learn about the support available across NHS Lanarkshire.
- 7 September University Hospital Hairmyres- Main Atrium
- 8 September Kirklands HQ- Bistro over lunch time
- 10 September University Hospital Wishaw- Main Atrium
- 11 September University Hospital Monklands- Front Door
The week also provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible, person-centred care and the role everyone can play in helping people with learning disabilities feel respected, included and supported when using health services.
Finnie McLeary, Acute Liaison Nurse Practitioner, learning disability service, said: “Scottish Learning Disability Week is a valuable opportunity to celebrate people with learning disabilities and to help raise awareness of the support available across NHS Lanarkshire from the Learning Disability Service. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate all of our wonderful patients and the hard work our staff do every day.
“Our information stalls and local events will give staff and members of the public the chance to come along, speak to the team and learn more about how we can all help make health and care services more inclusive and accessible. Small changes in communication, understanding and awareness can make a big difference to someone’s experience. We would encourage colleagues to look out for activities taking place during the week and come along to find out more.”
For more information about Scottish Learning Disability Week, visit the national website: https://scotldweek.com/
