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 287436
Email: fiona.springall@nnuh.nhs.uk
Tara Webster – Adult Learning Disability and Autism Specialist Nurse
Direct telephone: 01603 287862
Email: tara.webster@nnuh.nhs.uk
Referrals
Learning Disability Liaison Team
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital,
Safeguarding Office, off Coltishall Ward,
West Block, Level 2,
Colney Lane,
Norwich,
Norfolk
NR4 7UY