Learning Disabilities Services
NNUH is committed to supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism who access our healthcare services. We have a small team of Acute Liaison Nurses whose role is to make sure patients’ with learning disabilities and/or autism stay in hospital is as good as possible. They also talk to other hospital staff about patients with learning disabilities and/or autism and provide training.
What is our aim?
- To improve patient safety
- To improve patient and parent/carer experience
- To improve access to hospital care and services
- To reduce the risk of health inequalities and barriers
- To support a person-centred approach to care
How do we achieve this?
- Practical patient support and consultation
- Delivering staff education and training
- Strategic developments to shape how the hospital meets the needs of people with learning disabilities and/or Autistic people
- Development of bespoke care plans
- Liaison with parents, carers and professionals both in the trust and the wider community
What can we support with?
- Communication needs
- Accessible, specialist information
- Sensory needs
- MDT Working
- Desensitisation to clinical procedures
- Preparatory work ahead of appointments or admissions
- Planning and implementation of reasonable adjustments
What we are unable to support with?
- Providing 1:1 care for in-patients
- Attending out-patient appointments / scans where patients already have an appropriate carer or other professional support
- Providing clinical updates as a first port of call – wards, clinical areas or family liaison team should be contacted in first instance
- Diagnose or assess the extent of someone’s Learning disability or Autism
- Support patients who do not have a clear indication for our input (as per criteria above).
Understanding the Children’s Emergency Department.
We know that coming to the Emergency Department can feel a bit scary for children, young people, their families and carers. We have made a few short videos to explain what might happen if you visit us. Scan the QR codes to access the videos.
Please share them with your children if you think they would help.
We welcome any feedback or suggestions on how we can improve our care.
Contact us
Lydia Smith – Learning Disability and Autism Lead
Direct telephone: 01603 287862
Email: lydia.smith@nnuh.nhs.uk
Fiona Springall – Children and Young People’s Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Nurse
Direct telephone: 01603 647939
Email: fiona.springall@nnuh.nhs.uk
Tara Webster – Adult Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Nurse
Direct telephone: 01603 647994
Email: tara.webster@nnuh.nhs.uk
Referrals
Learning Disability Liaison Team,
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital,
Complex Needs Hub,
West Anex 3 (Porter Cabin)
Conley Lanes,
Norwich,
Norfolk,
NR4 7UY