The STOMP clinic in action: Supporting people with learning disabilities in south east London
In south east London, around one in four people with a learning disability are prescribed a mental health medicine without a recorded diagnosis. These medicines are not always reviewed, which can affect health and quality of life.
The NHS South East London STOMP clinic is working to change this. STOMP stands for Stopping Over‑Medication of People with a learning disability, autism or both. The service helps make sure people only take medicines they need, in a safe and supportive way.
The clinic takes a person‑centred approach. The team works with each person to understand their needs and review their medication. This may mean reducing medicines over time or, in some cases, stopping them altogether. The aim is to help people feel better in their day‑to‑day lives.
STOMP uses a multidisciplinary team, including learning disability nurses, pharmacists and behaviour practitioners. They work closely with GPs and care providers across south east London. The team also offers reasonable adjustments, such as home visits, to make appointments easier and less stressful.
We visited Sunny Care Home in Greenwich to see the STOMP clinic in action. In the video, you’ll hear from the multidisciplinary team, a care home manager and a service user who has taken part in the clinic.
Carol‑Ann is one service user who has benefitted from STOMP. Since coming off her medication, she says she feels better, more bubbly and more able to do the things she enjoys.
Watch the video to hear their stories and see how the STOMP clinic is supporting safer, more personalised care.