Lewisham Hospital launches major scheme for learning disabilities (From News Shopper)

Lewisham Hospital launches major scheme for learning disabilities

12:06pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Health News By Mark Chandler

A RADICAL programme to help the 5,400 Lewisham adults with learning disabilities get treatment has been launched by Lewisham Hospital.

The Hospital Passport scheme will see them given a personal information document describing their particular needs and preferences.

It includes effective ways of communicating with them, their likes and dislikes, medications and treatment plans they are on.

The document is completed by clinical staff with the patient or carer at their initial medical appointment, to ensure further treatment takes their needs into account.

Lewisham Healthcare Trust has also introduced a new communications book to help staff on hospital wards to communicate with people who have learning disabilities.

Beverley Dawkins from the charity Mencap said: “The initiatives will help to ensure people with a learning disability, who are more likely to have poor health, get the healthcare they need and will ultimately help to save their lives.”