Support for people with learning disabilities

The Joint Community Learning Disability team helps people with learning disabilities to access health and social care services.

Full details of the service can be found here.

In 2010 the team appointed an Acute Liaison Nurse, Christina Marchant-Brown, who supports people as they go through the hospital system and signposts other services available.

Her role is to help Croydon residents over the age of 18 who have a learning disability to get the best services they can when accessing health care on the Croydon University Hospital site whether as an in-patient, e.g. coming in to have an operation or as an out-patient coming in for tests.

Every one with a learning disability is encouraged to use a Hospital Passport which helps inform hospital staff about the needs of the person with a learning disability and how to support them.

The passport is owned and controlled by the person themselves and information is entered under three categories:

Red: for vital facts staff need to know, such as personal details and medical conditions.
Amber: for things that are important to the patient, such as how they eat and drink.
Green: for likes and dislikes, such as television or noise.

The passport also identifies the person who knows the patient best, such as a carer or a member of the hospital staff; they can provide valuable advice and support in understanding the person’s individual needs.

If you would like more information or advice on how to get a communication passport contact the Patient Advice and Liaison service on 020 8401 3210.

If you would like support or advice regarding accessing service at Croydon University Hospital for yourself or you are a carer of someone with a learning disability and would like advice you can contact Susan Dunn on 020 8726 6500 ext 63340 Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm.

A hospital buddy scheme is also benefiting patients. Staff are being trained in how best to help people with learning language and communications difficulties who can feel more vulnerable when they are ill.

We are also developing new ways of increasing the number of Adults with Learning Disabilities who have an up to date Health Action Plan and have opportunities to have an annual health assessment with their GP.