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Our aim
Our team works across the hospital to help staff deliver person-centred, flexible care that meets the complex and unique needs of adults (18 years and over) who have a learning disability.
Who we work with
We collaborate with staff in the hospital to help them deliver comprehensive care that is tailored to the needs of people with a learning disability.
What our role involves
Integrated care
- We work to help bridge the gap between hospital and community services, ensuring those who know an individual the best have their voices heard.
Person centred care
- We take time to get to know a patient’s specific needs, preferences and communication style
- We make sure that medical decisions are made collaboratively, involving family and/or carers.
Advocacy
- We advocate on behalf of the patient and their family and/or carers to ensure their rights are protected
- We support with mental capacity assessments and best interest meetings.
Education and training
- We offer training sessions to hospital staff to improve their understanding of learning disabilities and to promote best practice.
How we can help
- Our team is made up of professionals with extensive experience in the field of learning disabilities.
- We approach every case with compassion and empathy and aim to promote a positive experience.
- We collaborate closely with community learning disability providers to facilitate coordinated transfers of care.
Examples of how we can help
- Gather a hospital passport and write up in the medical notes.
- Telephone a patient, family and/or carer to help them prepare for a visit to an outpatient service or clinic.
- Carry out a joint mental capacity assessment with ward staff.
- Help facilitate a best interests meeting regarding serious medical treatment, if this is needed.
- Support staff with planning for an elective admission where this may be complex.
- Create easy read information to support a medical conversation.
What else is important
Reasonable adjustments
People with a learning disability may need ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to access care and treatment.
Staff should ask patients, families and/or carers what adjustments they need. For example, a longer appointment time or access to quiet areas such as a side room.
Hospital Passports
People with a learning disability may have a Hospital Passport with them when they come to hospital.
Staff should ask to see it and read it carefully.
You can find a blank Hospital Passport here.
How to refer someone to the Learning Disability Liaison Team
Anyone can ask for our help including staff, patients and carers.
You can contact us by:
- telephone
- an e-referral on the hospital system (staff only)
See the Contacts section of this leaflet below.
Contact information
Learning Disability Liaison Team, Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, Friday 9 am to 12.45 pm