NNUH - Our vision Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
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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).

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

Kayley Hawes – Learning Disability and Autism Learning Disability and Autism Practitioner 0-25

Direct Telephone: 01603 647939

Email: kayley.hawes@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