At UHBW we are dedicated to ensuring equal access to healthcare. We have a team of nurses that have a passion for supporting autistic patients to access our hospitals and receive care and treatment in a way that takes into consideration their individual needs. These webpages are designed to explain how to access this support and the type of adjustments we can offer to improve patient experience.
We have a team of Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Nurses. Although our nurses also work with people with learning disabilities, we understand that the needs of an autistic person without learning disabilities are significantly different to those who have a co-existing learning disability diagnosis.
There are "Autism Champions" on most wards and departments across adult services at our hospitals. These are members of staff that have a particular interest in autism; they attend extra training in autism and receive regular updates and communication from the Learning Disability and Autism Nurses.
If you are autistic, we encourage you to advise us of this prior to any planned appointments or admissions. We can then work with you to make your hospital attendance or admission as stress free as possible right from the very start.
If you find it difficult to communicate in stressful situations or unfamiliar environments, you may find it helpful to complete an Autism Hospital Passport. Please fill this in before coming to the hospital and bring it with you when you come in for your appointment.
Download a blank copy of the hospital passport.
Email: AutismLiaisonService@uhbw.nhs.uk
Weston General Hospital team: 01934 881173
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust has worked with AccessAble to create detailed Access Guides to facilities, wards, and departments at our sites. The guides help patients, visitors and staff plan their journeys to and around the hospitals, covering everything from parking facilities and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible toilets.
View our guides here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/university-hospitals-bristol-and-weston-nhs-foundation-trust
National Autistic Society
Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS)
Somerset Autism Spectrum Service
National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026
Autism Central - support for families and carers
Bristol Autism Support