Healthcare collaboration transforming blood tests for people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities and needle phobia are benefiting from a painless new form of blood sampling pioneered by our learning disability nurses in partnership with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay (UHMBT).

TAP capillary testing for people with learning disabilities uses a small, touch-activated device applied to the upper arm to collect blood painlessly. This patient-centred approach offers a far less distressing alternative to routine blood collection, helping to reduce anxiety and improve access to essential healthcare for people who experience significant fear of needles.

Piloted in 2025 by our Learning Disability Nursing Team, this new way of collecting blood has now been rolled out to 33 GP practices across Lancaster and South Cumbria. As part of this rollout, our Health Facilitation Team has worked closely with Dr Karen Perkins (UHMBT) and Dr Julia Smith (Milnthorpe and Carnforth Primary Care Network), delivering face-to-face training in primary care. Community learning disability nurses have also successfully supported several people to use TAP testing in their own homes.

Sarah Duffin, trainee advanced clinical practitioner, explained:

“It can be hard to explain to a patient with a learning disability why we need to take blood which can make the experience even more stressful. By assuring them the process is pain free and often they can do it themselves, we are more likely to be successful and help the patient get the right treatment and care they need.”

Colleagues in the Health Facilitation Team have also developed an easy read guide and an online questionnaire to gather the evidence needed for a business case to support wider implementation across Lancashire.

The business case was presented in March, and funding has now been secured from the Integrated Care Board to enable rollout across primary care in Lancashire for people with learning disabilities aged 14 and over who experience needle phobia.

Patient stories have highlighted the life-changing impact of the initiative. One example is Abi’s story, which features Abi and her mum, Heather. In the video, Heather reflects on Abi’s previous experiences through a poem she wrote several years ago, before showing the positive difference TAP testing has made to Abi’s life and future healthcare.

Interest in this approach has continued to grow across the UK, with multiple NHS organisations making contact to explore how they might introduce the model locally. The TAP Team hopes this innovative and compassionate approach will eventually be rolled out nationally.

Please take 5 minutes to watch Abi’s story.