As part of Learning Disability Awareness Week 2024, we are shining a light on some of the specialist services that regularly work with people with a learning disability and autistic people across the Black Country.
Learning Disability Liaison Nurses provide compassionate, person-centred care for people with learning disabilities and autistic citizens accessing acute hospital services. They track patients throughout their hospital care journey and help to make their experience as positive as it can be. As well as providing training to staff, they also work closely work with services so adjustments can be made if needed.
Their main aim is to help people feel safe and supported, and help people with a learning disability and autistic people and their families understand their health. They also provide signposting to other community services and play a key role in shaping services and improvement with a learning disability and autism lens.
Charlotte Horton, who will be joining Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals soon as Learning Disability Liaison Nurse said: “Being a voice and a support system for patients is such a passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to making the hospital a less daunting experience for those who might need a bit of extra support.
“If I can make accessing healthcare a little easier for people with learning disabilities or autistic people, I know that I am making a difference.”