Learning Disability Liaison Team

What is our aim?

Our team works across the hospital to help staff deliver person-centred, flexible care that meets the complex and unique needs of adults (18 years and over) who have a learning disability.

Who do we work with?

We collaborate with staff in the hospital to help them deliver comprehensive care that is tailored to the needs of people with a learning disability.

What does our role involve?

Integrated care

• We work to help bridge the gap between hospital and community services, ensuring those who know an individual the best have their voices heard.

Person centred care

• We take time to get to know a patient’s specific needs, preferences and communication style
• We make sure that medical decisions are made collaboratively, involving family and/or carers.

Advocacy

• We advocate on behalf of the patient and their family and/or carers to ensure their rights are protected
• We support with mental capacity assessments and best interest meetings.

Education and training

• We offer training sessions to hospital staff to improve their understanding of learning disabilities and to promote best practice.

How can we help?

• Our team is made up of professionals with extensive experience in the field of learning disabilities.
• We approach every case with compassion and empathy and aim to promote a positive experience.
• We collaborate closely with community learning disability providers to facilitate coordinated transfers of care.

Examples of how we can help

What else is important?

Reasonable adjustments

People with a learning disability may need ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order to access care and treatment.

Staff should ask patients, families and/or carers what adjustments they need. For example, a longer appointment time or access to quiet areas such as a side room.

Hospital Passports

People with a learning disability may have a Hospital Passport with them when they come to hospital.

Staff should ask to see it and read it carefully.

You can print a blank Hospital Passport from our hospital website page
www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/information-for-people-with-a-learning-disability/

How to refer someone to the Learning Disability Liaison Team

Anyone can ask for our help including staff, patients and carers. You can contact us by:

• telephone
• email
• an e-referral on the hospital system (staff only)

See the Contacts section of this leaflet.

Contacts

Learning Disability Liaison Team, Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm, Friday 9 am to 12.45 pm

020 8934 6895 khft.learningdisabilityteam@nhs.net