Children’s hospital launches new web pages to ease worries

CHILDREN and young people with autism are being invited to visit Leicester Children’s Hospital new web pages to help make visits and hospital stays easier.

Hospital can be difficult for a lot of children and young people, but knowing what is happening and why it can ease anxiety and reduce the unexpected. This can be especially helpful for people with autism.

The new section on Leicester’s Hospitals’ main website provides tools and resources for children, young people, families and carers to use.

This includes a ‘patient passport’ for people to fill in with important information about themselves (such as communication needs) and bring to hospital, and preparation guides to help prepare for surgery, a clinic appointment, or certain procedures (like blood tests and anaesthetics).

Step-by-step guides, social stories and photo books also help people know what a trip to hospital is like so they can prepare in ways that suit them.

Liz James, matron on the children’s surgical wards at University Hospitals of Leicester, said: “I am very proud of the progress we have made as a team to improve the experience of children and young people with autism who use our services.

“The webpages mean families can access more information and resources to help them prepare for treatments they need”.

The website has been codesigned with parents and based on feedback from Listening into Action events with staff and parents, as well as from local community events and parent support groups.

Dipak Vadera, the parent of a young adult with autism, has been working with staff on the website.

He added: “The website is good progress for children and young people with autism at Leicester Children’s Hospital. The Listening into Action events have been very effective, providing good forums for parent and carer input, and leading to positive results such as the website. There are lots resources for people to access.”

For more information, Leicester Children’s Hospital encourage you to visit leicestershospitals. nhs.uk. Alternatively, search online for “children and young people with autism Leicester childrens hospital”