RUH launch autism awareness cards to improve their hospital experience
Bosses have put the system in place to better support autistic people and their loves
Bath's RUH has rolled out new resources to help staff support autistic people and their loved ones with their experience in hospital.
The new cards, which are being used across the NHS Foundation Trust, help them alert staff of their autism diagnosis so adjustments can be made.
They've shared the new scheme as part of Autism Awareness Week - with the new cards said to underline their commitment to making everyone matter.
Departments display a poster asking patients if they are autistic, and beside the poster are cards that can be then passed to staff by patients if they wish to let them know that they are autistic.
On the back of the cards are a series of suggestions for staff about what adjustments they can make to improve the support for that patient.
In addition to the cards, a series of guides have also been produced for staff on how to support autistic people.
Bosses at the RUH say the cards have been well received by patients. One piece of recent patient feedback said: “I was delighted to see an autism awareness poster in reception at the Breast Clinic. It was very eye-catching and it asked if the viewer had autism and to let staff know if they needed any assistance. It was really good to see.”
Jo Baker, Associate Director for Vulnerable People, said: “We have received really positive
“We are always happy to make adjustments for our patients, to give them the best possible experience.
“The autism cards underline our commitment to ensuring the RUH is a place where everyone matters and is a friendly, welcoming environment for the people we care for.”