Charity funds patient care bags
A free care bag is now available for patients with learning disabilities and autism to make them feel more comfortable in hospital.
The sensory bag includes earphones, an eye mask, fidget board, colouring book and crayons, a stress ball, sensory bracelet and includes a tag that doubles as a referral to the acute liaison team.
Hellen Odiembo, Lead Nurse Specialist Learning Disability & Autism (LD&A), said: “The bags provide a welcome distraction and help occupy Autistic or LD patients who may find waiting in an over-stimulated environment like a hospital challenging”
“I am one of only two learning disability nurses in the trust so this is a simple but effective tool nurses and LD/Autism Champions can give patients to calm them.
“The bag isn’t going to work for everyone but is useful for nurses with little or no experience of interacting with these patients.”
The three-person team receive up to 35 referrals a day which involves travelling between three sites to support patients and staff as well as providing training and attending multi-disciplinary team meetings
LNWH Charity has funded 500 bags which will be available to staff via designed learning disability and autism champions.