A charity funded project led by the Learning Disabilities and Autism team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) has been recognised nationally for its success.

Staff recognised that patients with Autism or Learning Disabilities struggled with the unpredictable environment in the Emergency Department, so developed an idea to create care bags for these patients.

The pilot scheme started in Leeds in May 2022, thanks to funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity and benefitted over 250 eligible patients, helping to combat the health inequalities they can face.

The tote bags contain sensory items, including noise cancelling headphones, as well as items to help occupy and distract patients, like stress balls and colouring books. Patients are also provided with information about the hospital in an accessible format, and a visible tag so clinical staff can refer them to the acute liaison team.

23-year-old Kai Retalic from East End Park benefitted from a care bag, he spoke to us about how this helped him:

“I came into A&E after having an epileptic fit and spent several days in hospital. I was given one of the care bags and I love it, it has things like ear defenders and a stress ball to help me feel less anxious in a stressful environment. If I had to come into hospital again, I would definitely bring the bag with me as it would really help me cope.”

Following the success of the initiative, pioneered by LTHT, the team applied for additional funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity to roll out the project across even more departments.

Now, the care packs are available across all acute hospital departments for patients with learning disabilities and autism, with an average of 30 bags being given out a week, amounting to around 1,500 a year.

The initiative received Highly Commended in the Breaking Barriers category at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards in June, shortlisted to the final 14 out of a whopping 6,000 nominations. It was also the runner up at the PENNA (Patient Experience Network) Awards.

Alison Conyers, Lead Professional for Learning Disabilities and Autism at LTHT said:

“Our goal is for every patient with Autism, or with a Learning Disability, to be offered a care bag when coming into our hospitals, acutely. We know from patient feedback that these bags empower patients to support and manage their own environment and needs. Our team are so passionate about getting care right the first time, as this will help our patients build positive experiences of healthcare. These bags are a great example of this ethos in action.”

The initiative has been recognised nationally with 25 hospital trusts across the country implementing the scheme, collectively handing out over 6,000 bags.

Within Leeds Teaching Hospitals, other specialities are looking at how they can model this initiative to support a wider group of patients, including those with dementia or mental health needs.

Rebecca Baldaro-Booth, Head of Grants at Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“When we were approached by the team to fund the pilot scheme for the bags in 2021, I thought it was an absolutely fantastic initiative that would help reduce health inequalities for patients who might find the hospital environment overwhelming. I’m delighted that the project was a success and has been able to expand to support even more patients. Leeds is setting the gold standard of tailored support and care for patients with learning disabilities and autism, which is now being adopted by hospital trusts up and down the country.”