Generous donations fund sensory items for patients

Going into hospital can be a worrying time for anyone, but it can be particularly worrying and stressful for someone with a learning disability or autism. Now, University Hospitals Birmingham Charity has been able to fund additional sensory items for patients to make their time in hospital easier.

The items have been funded thanks to the generous donations that the Charity received through the COVID-19 appeal, which is raising funds to support patients, families and staff across the Trust at this difficult time.

People with learning disabilities may not understand why they are in hospital, which can make it a very stressful time, having an impact on their communication and behaviour. Those with autism see, hear and feel the world around them differently to others. Any of the senses may be over or under-sensitive, or both, at different times and autism affects the way the person communicates with others and can affect behaviours.

Often, making small changes to the environment can make a huge difference to patients, and sensory items that suit the person’s needs can help to make them feel calm and comfortable in a situation that they might otherwise have found distressing.

Ruth O’Leary, Lead Nurse for Vulnerabilities, said: “We are committed to helping our patients with learning disabilities and autism, making sure that they receive the support that they need. Thanks to the sensory items funded by UHB Charity we can help to improve communication with our patients, and reduce their anxieties in an unfamiliar environment.

“The sensory items help us to use distraction techniques that can help to reduce pain and anxieties, ensuring that our patients have a more pleasant experience whilst in hospital.”

UHB Charity has funded a range of sensory items for the team, including Magic LED Gloves that make a streaking pattern with your hands in the dark, and shake and shine glitter lamps that switch gently between colours.

Other items are more tactile, such as the Textured Tangle which is a brightly coloured tangle with bumps and grooves, porcupine balls that have a stimulating effect, and the flashing caterpillars that can be stretched, pulled and twisted.

Ciara Johnston, Senior Grants Officer at UHB Charity, said: “We are delighted to fund these really important sensory items for our patients. Thanks to the generous donations that we have received we will be able to make a huge difference to our patients with autism and learning difficulties.”