Support in hospital during epidemic

[Birdie6]

In the case of an adult with a severe learning disability having to be admitted to hospital with the Coronavirus, does anyone know how the patient would be supported ? I am assuming that there are unlikely to be facilities, or for it to be advisable on infection grounds, for a parent/carer to stay or visit.

[petejmarshall]

Good Morning Birdie6

In my area in East Sussex if a special needs person goes into hospital there is a special needs service who looks after the person with special needs which covers all aspects of people with Disabilities. They work alongside the hospital nursing staff and also the doctors and consultants. Plus the person has this is me and what my needs are what I like and dislike. It's a bit like the other patients care plans and additional information supplied by the patient or family or social worker and care workers of the person if they have one. It's good that the hospitals in East Sussex have put this in place as it makes the special needs person relax and they know that they are being cared for and know that their needs will be met by the hospital's staff. But sometimes they are short staffed they might not get help as quickly as they are used to. I am aware that during the coronavisus outbreak. that the services provided for the special needs person might not be as good as it would be. But these times now is new to everyone and we are learning about what the coronavisus can do and what could happen. I would if I was you contact the hospital and ask if they have a special needs coordinator then that way you will know. When my son who was admitted to hospital the ward matron as they are now called contacted the coordinator about my son as soon as he was admitted. But it was a couple of day's before we met them. I hope that this information helps you to get the help the special needs person the help that they need. Take care . Peter

[Birdie6 in reply to petejmarshall]

Thank you, Pete.

[Sarah_Health_Policy Survey]

Hello Birdie6

This is a question many people are asking at the moment. We are keeping a close eye on this at Mencap, and so far we have not heard of any examples of carers of people with a learning disability being forced to leave the hospital.

This is what NHS England have told us so far:

"If family members are attending hospital with a loved one and are being asked to leave, they should ask the hospital and clinicians to allow them to stay as a reasonable adjustment. However, depending on the particular circumstance there may be certain situations where this is not possible. Family members should then discuss with clinicians how they can ensure their loved ones needs are being met and adjustments are being made in their care and how, for example, health passports are being used to support this.

Please point people to the specialty guidance that we have written for "the management of people with learning disabilities and autism" which includes bullet points about reasonable adjustments and listening to families and carers":

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

With this in mind, here's what we'd advise you to do:

a) Prepare as much in advance about how to communicate the person's needs to new people - prepare resources such as a communication book, hospital passport etc. If there is a way to make these wipe clean it is likely to be welcomed. If you are able to speak to your GP, ask them to make sure there is additional information about the support the person may need in their summary care record.

b) As advised by NHS England, do ask to be present as a reasonable adjustment - we've heard reports that some hospitals are only allowing people with a learning disability and autism, and children to take people with them. Show them the guidance if you need to. Please do consider your own health and the level of risk coronavirus may present to you before making the decision to accompany someone in hospital.

c) The guidance indicates there may be times when visitors will not be allowed at all, we are seeking clarification on this, in the meantime if this becomes an issue, call the LD helpline and we will do our best to give assistance: 0808 808 1111

I hope this is helpful

Best wishes

Sarah (Mencap Policy Team)

[Birdie6 in reply to Sarah_Health_Policy]

Hi Sarah, That is very helpful, thank you.

[Sarah_Mencap]

Hello Birdie6

I wondered if this new information and resources about what may happen if you or someone you know has to go to hospital because of coronavirus (COVID-19) might be useful.

mencap.org.uk/advice-and-su...

Best wishes

Sarah

[Birdie6]

That's very kind, thank you for the link.

[petejmarshall]

Hi Birdie6

I have read your message. I can telling you that most hospitals have a special needs co ordindator for special needs person like the one in your message if the carer has a lot of contact with the person who has been admitted to hospital and they are registered as a carer then they can contact the hospital and unit/ward and ask if they can visit the person concerned ask to speak to the person in charge or the unit Matron and they would be able to advise them. But the carer would have to provide there own protection kit to visit but I know that the person who has been admitted to the hospital won't be able to leave the unit because of the coronavisus and cross infections that maybe on the unit. But if the special needs person was in my area of the country they would be very well cared for as I have seen it with my own eyes when my son Joe was admitted to the hospital before the coronavisus outbreak was ever known about. But I did help with his care as most of the staff knew me because I had worked with them when I was in Nursing at the same hospital and there were other special needs people in at the same time as my son and they all got the same treatment and where supported by the ward staff. But in these days the hospital might welcome his carer to visit him so that they can help other patients as well who don't get visits. Take care and stay safe always Peter

[Birdie6]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my query