The initiative, funded through the Chairman's Initiative, was developed by the Learning Disability Liaison teams at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, North Devon District Hospital, and Torbay Hospital. These bags are equipped with a variety of activities, sensory items, and calming resources intended to help reduce anxiety and support individuals during their hospital visits.
Each bag also includes portable DVD players with films, alongside laminated hospital communication books. These books use symbols and pictures to help explain hospital stays, procedures, and treatments, thereby supporting diverse communication needs.
The Learning Disability Liaison teams operate during weekday daytime hours. The grab bags will provide essential resources for ED and AMU staff to support patients effectively even when the specialist teams are unavailable.
The new resources will help colleagues support communication, reduce anxiety and create a more positive hospital experience for people with learning disabilities.
In Exeter, the resource bags and DVD players were formally handed over by Jane Heydon, a Learning Disability Liaison Nurse. The handover event included Charlotte O’Neil (Senior Healthcare Assistant), Amanda Mitchell (Ward Sister), and Amanda Brooks (Clinical Manager).
