Health and physical disability services

Health and physical disability services

Services for people who have a permanent physical disability and/or long term medical condition, which adversely affects their ability to manage their daily lives.

The health and disability social work service assesses and provides services for people from the age of 18 who:

• have a permanent physical disability and/or long-term medical condition which affects their ability to manage their daily lives.
• rely on others for help with day-to-day activities.

The service is made up of trained professionals and specialist workers who are committed to encouraging, helping and safeguarding people to live as independently as possible.

We work with people living with a range of physical disabilities including: 

• Brain injuries (acquired)
• Cancer 
• Crohn’s disease
• Congenital deformity
• Depression 
• Diabetes
• Dialysis
• Epilepsy
• Graft versus host disease
• Head and lung conditions
• HIV and AIDS
• Incontinence
• Korsakoff's syndrome
• Landmine injury
• Motor neurone disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myalgic dystrophy 
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psoriasis
• Renal failure, end stage 
• Road traffic injury
• Scoliosis
• Spinal/nerve damage
• Sight loss and blindness
• Spinal stenosis
• Stroke
• Tetraplegia 

Assessing your needs

There are different degrees of physical disability, so the type and amount of help needed varies. For this reason an assessment is carried out to ensure that the appropriate services are arranged. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your needs and to enable the worker to assess the right level of support for you.

Some of the services that may be offered after assessment:

• equipment to help you manage in your own home
• information about services and activities available locally
• practical help with interpreting letters and phone calls, reading and telling the time 
• support from a social worker
• referrals to other services such as meals on wheels or home helps
• training advice on mobility to increase confidence and safety both at home and outside
• referral to voluntary agencies
• advice on housing, income and employment, getting out and about, education and training opportunities
• direct payments. (Cash payments for qualifying people to buycare services independently).

Frequently asked questions

Are the any charges for these sevices?
Some services are free and there are charges for others. Charging depends on an individual's circumstances. Following an assessment it will be explained what services may apply to you. For more information about charges, ask the services for its charges pamphlet. For more information about who can qualify for services view Fair access to care services.

What if I do not qualify for services?
If you do not qualify, we will always try to put you in touch with other organisations who might be able to help.

How do I find out more?
A referral to the health and disability social work servcies team can be made by you, a friend or relative, a voluntary organisation or your GP.
Health and (physical) disabilities services leaflet

Opening hours:  9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday, 9am to 4.45pm Friday

Telephone: 020 3311 1803, 020 8846 1844
 
Address: Health and disability social work services team
Floor 2
Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Palace Road
London
W6 8RF
 
Accessibility: Disabled access available

Complaints: csdcomps@lbhf.gov.uk
 
Related services: Assessment