Essex hospitals “improving” lives for those with learning disabilities and autism
Around 6,353 people in Mid and South Essex are believed to have Learning Disabilities
Staff across Essex hospitals have been recognised for their outstanding work helping improve the lives of patients with learning disabilities and autism.
Several workers and teams have been shortlisted for the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards, which recognises medical professionals supporting people to overcome some of the barriers to accessing health services.
Scott Turner, Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Practitioner at Southend Hospital has been nominated for the Support Worker Award for his excellent support improving patient experience over the last 30 years.
It was a shock finding out that I was nominated
This includes identifying and making reasonable adjustments such as changes to sound or brightness levels, flexibility in how and where patients are cared for, and promoting communication aids.
Scott said: “It was a shock finding out that I was nominated and shortlisted for the Support Worker of the Year and even more so to find out that the whole team have been nominated for another award. I am really pleased, as it shows that our work across the Trust is recognised.”
Claire Turner, Learning Disability, Autism and Dementia Service Lead at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, says they've put in a lot of work to improve the lives of patients.
What we're trying to do is just break down those barriers
She said: "As a team, we're absolutely thrilled to be recognised for the work that we've done. I think that anybody who's having to access hospital services at this moment in time will realise how challenging it is when you don't have any additional needs, and that can be further complicated if you do.
"So, what we're trying to do is just break down those barriers as far as possible for our patients with learning disabilities, recognising that there is so much health inequality for that patient population and that as a result, their health outcomes are much, much poorer than the general population.
"So, we're really working hard to try and reduce those."
The winners of the awards will be announced on 21 June during a ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.