Transforming hospital visits for people with learning disabilities | News

"This has helped them understand what different teams do in the hospital, and who might care for them when they are a patient."

On Tuesday 16 June, Learning Disability Liaison Nurse, Becky Hankin and Experience of Care Lead, Pauline Wood welcomed a group of people with learning disabilities to Maidstone Hospital. 

Hosted alongside Aspens Charities the event gave the group a chance to enjoy a positive experience of coming to hospital.

The group met with Ophthalmology and Breast Care teams and were able to see some of the equipment they use in their tests and treatments. 

They learned what staff in different roles do, and the uniforms they wear, saw some of the specialist equipment our Ophthalmology teams use to examine patients’ eyes, learned about breast health, found out about our Hospital Passport for people with learning disabilities coming into hospital, and had chance to explore an ambulance!

Ophthalmology teams said the event helped them understand what it’s like for patients with learning disabilities visiting their department and how they can support them.

Loida Tuazon, Department Manager for Ophthalmology said: “It was a very fulfilling experience for us, to see their smiles, hear their questions and have their attention and engagement for the whole time”.

In Breast Care the group learned about the importance of breast health and what happens in the department including having a mammogram and having a breast ultrasound.

Sally Harper, Superintendent Radiographer for Breast Radiology said: “We were delighted to welcome the group to our breast imaging unit which highlighted the importance of inclusive healthcare, meaningful engagement and shared lived experience.

“The visitors showed great enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and the visit was not just an opportunity for learning - it was a valuable platform for listening. The group shared insightful ideas on how services could be improved for people with learning disabilities.”

The group also had the opportunity to spend some time with colleagues from the South East Coast Ambulance Service, meeting paramedic Louis and being shown around an ambulance.

They talked to Louis about the support people with learning disabilities may need when in an ambulance and having their symptoms assessed, as well as the importance of paramedics reading hospital passports to support patient assessment.

Aspens described it as “an amazing day” adding: “It's not so scary now when going to hospital appointments when we have been told what's going on.''

The event took place as part of Learning Disability Week, with the theme “do you see me” focussing on people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.