Learning Disability and Autism Service

Welcome to the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Learning Disability and Autism Service. We are here to help people with a learning disability and/or Autism receive safe, high-quality, and person-centred care when they need to use our hospital services.

Our dedicated team of Learning Disability Nurses work with patients, their families, and hospital staff to identify and implement the necessary reasonable adjustments for a positive hospital experience.

About Us

Our Learning Disability and Autism team provides an advisory service within the acute hospital setting. We are not a rapid response team; instead, we work alongside ward staff to ensure patients with learning disabilities and / or autism receive safe, person‑centred care. We visit patients on the wards, review their needs, and support staff by offering guidance, signposting to appropriate services, and promoting reasonable adjustments. Our role is to advocate for patients, enhance staff confidence, and help reduce health inequalities through inclusive practice.

Reasonable Adjustments: How We Can Help You

The law requires us to make changes (reasonable adjustments) to ensure our services are accessible to everyone. Our team can help arrange the following:

• Longer or Earlier Appointments: We can schedule longer appointments or arrange for you to be seen first to reduce waiting times.
• Quiet Areas: We can arrange for you to wait in a quiet side room away from busy main waiting areas.
• Communication Support: We can provide information in Easy Read format and help staff communicate clearly about your treatment and care.
• Carer Support: We can facilitate the patient's main carer or family member staying overnight to provide familiar support (including arranging a carers' bed).
• Hospital Passport Use: We encourage the use of a Hospital Passport to help staff quickly understand your needs, communication style, and preferences.