A new service for people with learning difficulties and autism in Medway
The new service is designed to prevent people getting upset or distressed. Procedures covered include vaccinations, blood tests, dental work, podiatry, endoscopies and colonoscopies.
One of the first to use the new service was Jack Wood, from Gravesend who has severe autism and is verbally limited due to a communication disorder.
His Mum Rachel praised the new service.
"Initially Jack was referred to hospital by the community learning disability team, as he needed some urgent dental and foot treatments which could only be done under general anesthetic. A plan of action was put in place which detailed everything down to the finest point.
"On the day of the procedure Jack was whisked straight into theatre and we didn’t have to wait around, which is something Jack can find difficult. They even managed to arrange for Jack to have a haircut and beard trim while he was sedated – this is something we haven’t managed to do in a long time because of the sensory challenges associated with autism and cutting hair.
They went absolutely above and beyond for Jack and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The best thing about it was they listened to and acted upon Jack’s needs – it makes such a big difference."
