Hospital staff celebrated for championing learning disabilities
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust staff have been celebrated for their support of those with learning disabilities.
At the end of last year, an event organised by the Learning Disability Liaison Nursing Team and Derriford User Group (DUG) saw staff and individual departments across the Trust presented with awards for making a significant contribution to the care and experience of patients with learning disabilities.
“The awards are really a way of saying a big thank you to staff for working so well with our patients, and a means of recognising those who go above and beyond for them,” explains Saoirse Read, Learning Disability Liaison Team Leader at the Trust. “Winners were presented with a certificate and a box of chocolates, as well as a ‘champion’ badge.
“We hope that staff will wear these badges with pride, and in doing so continue to raise awareness and encourage others to be more aware of the extra support or reasonable adjustments that patients with learning disabilities may need.”
The event, which was attended by over 50 people, featured talks by Steven Keith, Director of People at the Trust, and guest speaker Mike Le Surf, a Campaigns Officer for Mencap. DUG members also ran a workshop in the afternoon.
The awards, which were handed out by Bev Allingham, Deputy Chief Nurse, were presented to:
- Dr Sarah Hooper, Associate Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Tim Wheatley, Consultant Surgeon
- Paul Fewings, Consultant Neurosurgeon
- Wendy Moon, Health Care Assistant
- Ellie Lloyd, Radiographer
- Jonathan Palmer, Nurse Consultant
- Daniela Branscas, Physiologist
- Thrushel, the Medical Assessment Unit
- Hexworthy ward
- The Audiology department
DUG members were also given special ‘thank you’ awards for their excellent work during 2018. 
To find out more about the Learning Disability Service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and how they can help you, please visit https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/learning-disability-service
You can also find out more about DUG and how to get involved here: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ld-dug
The Learning Disability Liaison Nursing Team have now established a Facebook page in conjunction with Devon Link Up. Please like their page to keep up to date with DUG and the team’s activities: https://www.facebook.com/speakplymouth/