Specialist learning disability health services: accessing CTPLD and IST

Step by step

1. Know what these teams do

   NHFT's CTPLD provides specialist healthcare for people of all ages with a learning disability and related health needs. Its IST provides community assessment and treatment for people aged 14+ with a learning disability who are experiencing mental ill-health or behaviour that challenges.

2. For children and young people

   Professional referrals to CTPLD and other listed children's services are managed through NHFT's Children's Referral Management Centre. Ask a GP, paediatrician, therapist, school or social-care professional about the correct route.

3. What they support with

   Behaviour that challenges, mental health crises, risk of admission to hospital, complex sleep/feeding, sensory/communication difficulties.

4. How to get help quickly

   If there is urgent deterioration, contact the responsible health or social-care professional and ask about the appropriate CTPLD/IST route. NHFT lists CTPLD contacts for north and south Northamptonshire and an IST number; use 999 for immediate danger and MASH for safeguarding concerns.

5. Adult/transition pathway

   NHFT lists CTPLD referrals as professional referrals and provides separate north/south contact routes. Confirm the responsible team as a young person approaches 18; do not assume a children's referral automatically transfers.