New sensory kits have been introduced across NHS community services in Nantwich and Crewe to support autistic patients at healthcare appointments.
It’s part of a Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity initiative which they staged during Autism Acceptance Month to help reduce anxiety and improve access to care.
They aim to help autistic patients and people with sensory processing needs feel calmer and more comfortable when attending NHS appointments.
Funded by a grant from Nationwide, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity has supported the introduction of more than 60 sensory kits across community service sites.
These include areas of Leighton Hospital as well as Church View medical centre in Nantwich and Eagle Bridge Health Centre in Crewe.
Each kit is stored in a small portable case and contains sensory and calming items such as fidget toys, colouring activities, calming toys and ear defenders designed to help patients regulate sensory overload and feel more comfortable during their appointment.
The kits are expected to benefit patients with autism, learning disabilities and sensory processing needs who may find healthcare environments particularly challenging.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity worked closely with the Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS) to identify appropriate items for the kits.
Short informational videos that help patients understand what to expect before attending their first appointment have also been created.
Emma Robertson, Head of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Nationwide for this colleague grant, which has been made possible through our strong relationship with the team at the Crewe branch.
“Their support is helping us make healthcare more accessible for people in our local community and ensuring that more patients feel comfortable attending the care they need.”
Claire Smith is project manager working to reduce health inequalities for patients across Mid Cheshire Community Services (CCICP).
She said: “We cannot underestimate how challenging attending a healthcare appointment can be for some people in our community.
“Our aim is to ensure that everyone who needs healthcare support is able to access it equally.
“These sensory kits, along with the videos explaining what patients can expect from their appointment, are designed to reduce some of the barriers people face when accessing care.
“By helping patients feel more comfortable and prepared, we can support them to attend appointments earlier and prevent conditions from worsening.”
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