Children’s Hospital recognised by National Autistic Society for inclusion work
Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) has been awarded a prestigious national award recognising its commitment to supporting people with autism.
The specialist paediatric centre has gained the National Autistic Society’s Autism Inclusion Award, which recognises providers who have gone above and beyond in supporting autistic people in sectors including education, healthcare and the justice system, as well as community-based activity groups.
The Trust’s (BWC) dedicated Learning Disabilities and Autism Liaison team worked closely with the National Autistic Society during its journey to receiving accreditation, which also took on the feedback of patients, families and staff.
The hospital has designated ‘quiet areas’ that are purposely less busy to support children, young people and their loved ones, along with appropriate signage and wayfinding, sensory play and other initiatives embedded across its site to tailor care and support for those it cares for with autism.
BWC has also been a forerunner in implementing the Oliver McGowan Training for staff to increase knowledge, understanding and support for those with a learning disability or autism.
Autism, which affects around one in 100 people in the UK, is a lifelong developmental condition that impacts how people communicate, interact with others and perceive the world.
Autistic individuals may experience sensory sensitivities, heightened anxiety and difficulty navigating environments not designed with their needs in mind. For many, accessing mainstream services can be overwhelming or even inaccessible without appropriate adjustments.
Jo Mardell, Associate Director of Safeguarding and Learning Disabilities at BWC, said: “We are delighted to have received the Autism Inclusion Award, which recognises the commitment and hard work of our teams to offer inclusive and compassionate care to the children, young people and families we support.
“Ensuring the services we offer to patients and their loved ones is inclusive has been the driving force behind us working towards receiving the accreditation. Whilst this is an important part of our journey towards this aim, we know there is still more we can do, so our work will not stop.”
Whilst the award specifically recognises the work taking place at Children’s Hospital, projects are also underway, working with patients and families, at our Women’s Hospital to improve care for autistic people.
Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Autism Accreditation and Projects at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are delighted that Birmingham Children’s Hospital has achieved the Autism Inclusion Award. The team should be exceptionally proud of their achievement and commitment towards improving support for autistic people.”
The National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people.