Information for carers & support workers
Recognising your special role
We recognise that carers and support workers have an important role in supporting people living with a learning disability in hospital. The Disability Liaison Support Team is here to support you, as well as the patient. We also provide advice, support and training to our staff to ensure that they provide the best care possible in a way that works for the patient.
Please refer all adult patients with a learning disability to the Learning Disability Liaison team.
We work Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, and can be contacted on:
Telephone: 01392 402237
Definition of a learning disability
Adults will be considered to have a Learning Disability if there is:
- a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with;
- a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning);
- which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.
From Valuing People (2001)
Support tools for patients and carers
There are a number of useful tools and resources to support people living with a learning difficulty during their time in hospital.
These are listed on our 'Support for patients with a learning disability' page, as well as below for your information.
Please click on the name of the tool to download.
1) Hospital Communication Book: a book with pictures to help communications
2) Hospital Passport: important information about you that staff should know
3) Outpatients appointment: your appointment details in Easy Read
4) Team poster: a picture of the Disability Liaison Team and their contact details
Patient information leaflets in Easy Read
- Learning Disability Liaison Service poster
- Learning Disability Liaison Service leaflet
- Guidance for TEP form (Treatment Escalation Plan)
Please contact us if your require any other information in an easy read format.
Helpful websites in Easy Read
Please click on the website name to visit the site
Other useful links
Please click on the link to visit the information
Supporting someone receiving medical care in the community
Support for people living with a learning disability who are receiving medical care in the community is provided by the Primary Care Learning Disability Liaison Nursing Team. This service is delivered by the Devon Partnership Trust.
Please visit their website for further information.