Celebrating Neurodiversity in Leeds

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week we’re recognising neurodiversity in Leeds. We’re lucky to be able to work with brilliant neurodiverse individuals, such as Lucy Clement, Portfolio GP, Leeds ICB Clinical Lead for Neurodiversity and Co-chair of the Learning Disability and Neurodiversity Board.

In an interview with The Times, Lucy said:

“People said, ‘ADHD can’t be that bad. You’re a GP.’ I’m lucky. My job works. It’s a very good job for someone with ADHD. My appointments are organised for me, and each interaction is different.” She admits she finds it hard to retain facts, such as the names of the bones in the foot (“I google!”), often runs late in surgery and to keep on top of paperwork, “But so do a lot of GPs.” She compensates by accepting she needs to start a bit earlier and leave a bit later.

“One of the best things I ever did, was stop putting myself under pressure to be as quick as other GPs. I feel unsafe if I am rushed, and I become more disorganised. I still see the same number of patients as everyone else, but I have been allowed the flexibility and autonomy to approach my day in my own way.” She points out that good GPs recognise patterns – are able to examine the body and pick out the key symptoms and put the puzzle together. “And my visual brain is very good at doing that.”

ADHD and women: the hidden epidemic. Sally Williams, The Times. 2022.

In February, Lucy, along with Jim Barwick, CEO, Leeds GP Confederation and Samantha Hannar-Hughes Operational Manager, Leeds & York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, attended the Best Practice show in London to present how we are collaborating to develop innovative management of shared care for patients on the ADHD pathway.