Learning from those living with Learning Disability

26 June 2012 saw Sue Putman, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's Clinical Lead, Mental Health and Learning Disability, together with Paramedic Keith Marr hold an Ambulance Awareness Day at the Options Day Centre, Winslow, Buckinghamshire.

The day was designed to educate and inform those living with a learning disability when they need to call for an ambulance and what to expect when they do.

Paramedic Keith Marr worked with a group of service users from Options Winslow and Buckingham to test a series of Easy Read patient information leaflets and Sue had an opportunity to complete patient satisfaction surveys with those who had experience of using the ambulance service.

Keith and Sue had arranged for an ambulance to attend the event so that anyone who wanted to could explore the vehicle in a fun way with a view to reducing their anxiety should they need an ambulance to attend them in the future.

Unit Co-ordinator Jenny Begley commented:

The day's entertainment provided a valuable opportunity for our clients to experience an ambulance in a non-emergency situation and for ambulance staff to gain a better understanding of their needs and preferences.'

Options service user Gareth concluded:

'The ambulance is useful to pick up people who get injured. I like the commitment and the services, but the best bit was wearing the hat and the ambulance itself.'

Published 11 July 2012