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Sensory Bags Ease ER Visits for Autistic Patients
2 May
Summary
- Sensory bags offer ear defenders and communication aids.
- Designed to calm anxious patients in busy emergency departments.
- Aimed at individuals with autism or learning disabilities.
The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust has implemented a new initiative providing sensory activity bags for patients with learning disabilities or autism visiting their emergency department. These specially curated bags contain items such as ear defenders, activity books, and simple communication aids designed to mitigate the anxiety often associated with hospital environments.
Lead nurse Lauren Bowler highlighted that while emergency department visits can be overwhelming for anyone, they present particular challenges for individuals with autism and learning disabilities due to noise, crowds, and unfamiliar surroundings. The sensory bags aim to make these experiences more manageable and calmer for patients, offering familiar items that can help them feel settled.
The initiative, supported by the Royal Surrey Charity, also focuses on communication aids to help patients express their needs. This allows healthcare staff and carers to better understand and respond to the requirements of individuals who may not have their usual comforting items with them during an unexpected visit.
