Responding to the needs of people with learning disabilities
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One of our main goals is to make sure all patients get good health care and treatment. Adults and children with learning disabilities, especially those with moderate to severe disability, often have more health problems than other people.
We want to make sure we provide an equal service to people with learning difficulties that is easily accessed by anyone according to the Disability Discrimination Act and Mental Capacity Act.
If you have any questions about your care or you are unhappy about anything on the ward then please contact the nurse in charge or the Matron and we will aim to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible.
Please see our Making_a_Complaint-easy_read.pdf [pdf] 482KB leaflet in Easy Read format
When people with learning disabilities arrive at the hospital
Patients with learning disabilities may need special consideration to ensure they receive the care and treatment which meets their specific needs and maintains their safety. Preparation is crucial in supporting people with learning disabilities; whether carrying out examinations, investigations, treatment or supporting an admission onto a ward.
Learning disabilities patients in our Emergency Department
We have Best Practice Guidelines for staff to follow in dealing with people with learning disabilities. This includes a flow chart for patients with learning disabilities who arrive in A&E, so our staff are aware of what to do. All patients with learning difficulties are treated in the same way as anyone else according to their medical condition on arriving in A&E. Reasonable adjustments may be made to see them as soon as possible, depending on medical condition.
Our Learning Disability Nurse Specialist helps support adults, their carers and family who have a learning disability. The nurse works with hospital staff to help them understand how best to support and care for people who have a learning disability. If you need help during your hospital appointment, getting ready for a hospital visit, or when you are staying please contact Joselyn Muirhead on 01895 238282; extension: 3454.
Useful documents
More information
- AccessAble (the UK’s leading provider of detailed disabled access information) - offers facts, figures and photographs to help you plan your journey to and around our hospital sites, covering everything from parking facilities and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible toilets.
- Easyhealth website, for 'accessible' health information. 'Accessible' information uses easy words with pictures.
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities.
- DoH (2001) ‘Valuing People: a new strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century’.
- 'Valuing People - rights and opportunities - Easy Read (pdf, 75KB)
- Equalities Act 2010