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Learning disabilities and autism

The West Suffolk Hospital has a learning disability liaison nurse who can offer advice, guidance or support if you, your relative, or the person you care for comes into hospital.

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Services we provide

The learning disability liaison nurse supports individuals who have a learning disability or autism, who come into the hospital for care, treatment, tests or investigations.

They will:

  • make sure the person and their family or carer has access to all the information needed when coming into hospital
  • inform hospital staff of any special arrangements required for the patient’s appointment, treatment, or stay in hospital
  • support the patient in understanding and communicating their needs and provide advice on communication
  • co-ordinate discharge arrangements between the patient, carers, community and hospital staff
  • aim to play a crucial role in raising the profile and status of people with a learning disability and/or autism
  • actively promote the needs and rights of people with a learning disability and/or autism, including specific support needs, issues of consent and right to treatment
  • work closely with colleagues to help patients who are coming in for planned appointments and procedures. preparing them for their hospital stay and helping to make their experience less stressful and as positive as possible
  • provide support and advice for carers
  • act as an advocate for patients and their families/carers when accessing the West Suffolk Hospital.

Contact details

If you have questions, or need support for a person with a learning disability or autism while they are using our hospital services, please contact our Learning Disability Liaison Nurse.

Learning Disability Liaison Nurse: Emer O’Mahony
Telephone: 01284 713973

The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Outside these hours, please access the hospital in the usual way.

Disabled access

If you require assistance when visiting our hospitals, please call our switchboard to arrange assistance in advance: 01284 713000

To view all of our information regarding disabled access to our hospitals, please visit AccessAble

Hospital passports

Hospital passports are for people with a learning disability and/or autism. They help staff understand what support a person needs when they come to West Suffolk Hospital.

The passport includes important information about the person, such as:

  • how they like to communicate
  • any medicines they take and how they take them
  • things they like and do not like
  • sleep routines
  • how they move around
  • support they need with eating, drinking, washing or dressing
  • other important health information

Patients, family members or carers can fill in the passport before coming to hospital.

Patient information and support