Adaptive hospital team help autistic child overcome hospital phobia
Seven-year-old Arthur was so terrified of hospitals that he refused any treatment, so when he suffered a burn to his hand, Mum Jess worried they were out of options.
However, in mere weeks of being introduced to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Burns Team, Arthur was helped to overcome his phobia.
Jess, from Stafford, recalls: “Arthur was diagnosed with Autism and delayed Gestalt Language Processing Disorder. He really struggles to communicate and express his emotions and following a visit to the doctors at aged two, he developed a phobia of hospitals.
“I have been worried sick in case Arthur became poorly and needed to go to hospital as he becomes so panicked and refuses any treatment.
“My worst fears came true when we had been cooking at home and in the split second before we put the guard on, Arther had run up behind us and burnt his hand on a cooker.”
Jess rushed Arthur to their local A&E.
She said: “When he had his injury I was just filled with dread. I knew what a traumatic experience it would be for Arthur.
“When we were in hospital, Arthur had the worst panic attack I had ever seen and he refused any treatment. As his mum I was absolutely devastated.”
Doctors referred Arthur to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s specialist Burns Team.
Jess explained: “Someone from the Burns team phoned me ahead of our visit and from that very first conversation, I knew this team were different. The person who spoke to me was full of compassion for my son and immediately put several things in place for us.”
The team ensured there was a quiet, side room waiting for Arthur when he arrived. When Mum and Arthur came to the ward, the team had Play Specialist Wayne Roberts ready to greet them.
Jess said: “Initially, Arthur was totally overwhelmed and we had to ask staff to step back. They didn't take offense at this and just listened and followed our lead. It showed absolute dedication to patient experience, above all else.
“Arthur went on to make the most incredible bond with Wayne, who was wonderful. He was so patient, so gentle, so kind, so full of fun, and always knew when to step back and just made Arthur feel so safe. I can't express how far above and beyond he went.
“The doctors and nurses stepped back and let Arthur lead. Paige, the nurse who led the treatment, was so kind with us as parents and so warm and caring. She made such a huge difference and was so brilliant.
“Never once did anyone make us feel awkward that our son is very loud and excitable - everyone just smiled and made us feel so relaxed and at home. Nothing was too much trouble”
Arthur’s injury was treated, but he needed to come back for a follow up appointment to check his progress.
Jess explained: “Normally, if I told Arthur we had to go to hospital, he would have been devastated. However, this time, he smiled and asked: ‘Are we going to see Wayne?’
“Arthur arrived for his appointment with no medication for his anxiety, didn't cry once, laughed throughout and even coped with a 30 min delay due to an emergency. All morning, he couldn't wait to see Wayne, who stayed with him during the delay and was wonderful with him and endlessly patient.
“I walked out of that appointment with tears in my eyes because I couldn't believe the transformation. The fact that my son has gone from too hysterical to receive any treatment, to walking into an appointment unmedicated and smiling is just breath-taking to me.
“Our experience at the Children’s Hospital was exceptional. As someone on the board of a SEND Charity for parents, I know that I am not alone in having this fear and that many of our families have extremely challenging experiences in hospitals.
“Put simply, the staff at the Children’s Hospital have changed Arthur's life by showing him that hospitals and doctors aren't scary, and that he can even enjoy the experience.”
Wayne said: “It’s moments like this that make makes me love what I do. Seeing children who have come into hospital feeling too scared to be themselves to being a child that is full of joy and happiness in an environment that is so scary.
“Knowing I've played a part in them reaching this level of happiness fills me with so much pride. Seeing Play and Nursing work hand in hand makes me proud of the team I work with.”