From l to r: Karen Bigg, volunteer for Epilepsy Society; Betsey Lau-Robinson, Trust lead safeguarding adults; Ana Amado Fondo, clinical nurse specialist; Jonaline James, education faciliatator; Tricia Handley, clinical nurse manager for the Camden Learning Disabilites Service
The easy-to-read leaflets which include picture guidance were launched to coincide with Learning Disabilities Week this week.
They range from information about what patients can expect during a visit to one of our hospitals and how to get the help you need, to what happens during an X-ray and what going to A&E means. They are now available on the UCLH website
Duncan Burton, head of nursing for the UCLH specialist hospitals board, said: “Good communication is essential to ensuring that patients have a positive hospital experience. Visiting hospital can often be a worrying time for any patient but can be even more daunting for a patient with learning disabilities. It is essential that staff do everything they can to adapt communication to meet a patient's individual needs. These easy-to-read leaflets are designed to help explain the hospital and clinical procedures that may be needed.”
The leaflets have been developed in conjunction with Camden and Islington Councils' learning disabilities teams, Camden “easy info” group, part of The Advocacy Project who have worked with people with learning disabilities to develop the leaflets.
They were displayed at a stand in the University College Hospital atrium on Monday (June 20) which was set up to promote Learning Disabilities Week.
Sir Robert Naylor (centre) chats with Frank Dobson and PC Jacqueline Joyce of the Camden Police Community Safety Unit
Frank Dobson, MP for Holborn & St Pancras, and Sir Robert Naylor, UCLH chief executive, visited the stand which was run in conjunction with Camden and Islington council’s learning disability services; the Metropolitan Police public protection team; MENCAP; the Elfrida Society (an Islington charity for people with learning difficulties) and the Epilepsy Society.
Mr Dobson said: “In recent times health professionals have given more and more emphasis to the need for clear communications both ways with all patients. It is clear that people with learning difficulties can have more problems understanding what they are being told. This week and these new leaflets are about trying to make sure all patients are getting all the things they are entitled to.”
If you have a disability, or look after someone with a disability and would like to discuss arrangements for your scheduled outpatient appointment or admission, the UCLH Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can support putting you in touch with the correct team in the Trust. For more information call 020 7380 9975 or email PALS@uclh.nhs.uk