Gateshead Health has introduced new care packs to support patients with learning disabilities during hospital visits and stays.
The packs have been developed by the trust and funded by Gateshead Health Charity. They contain practical and sensory items that can help reduce anxiety, sensory overload and distress.
Hospital visits can be particularly difficult for people with learning disabilities. Unfamiliar surroundings, noise, bright lights, communication barriers and changes to routine can all add to anxiety.
The care packs are available across wards and departments at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital through the trust’s network of learning disability champions.
Helen Burn, Learning Disability Specialist Nurse, said:
“Since we received charity funding for the care packs, we have been able to distribute them through our network of Learning Disability champions to wards and departments right across the trust.”
Staff are already using the packs to support patients who find the hospital environment difficult.
“The aim of introducing these bags was to provide emotional and practical support, to reduce anxiety and promote engagement,”
“We have been able to offer these to patients who have found the care environment too noisy. People have struggled with the bright lights so they have used the eye mask provided.
“This has meant that the person has been able to attend an outpatient appointment with reduced anxiety and that patients have had a better experience. The sensory items have been particularly useful for patients experiencing anxiety helping to distract and minimise distress.
“A patient’s family carer commented that they felt cared for and it was great to see that Gateshead Health had considered the needs of people with a learning disability.”
Helen Burn
The care packs give staff another practical way to respond to the individual needs of patients with learning disabilities and help make hospital visits less stressful.
The initiative was made possible through funding from Gateshead Health Charity.