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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 (scroll down to the drop-down menu called Bringing your hospital passport with you).
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