Learning Disability Liaison Team
The team work with patients who have a learning disability, to support and help them receive reasonable adjustments whilst accessing hospital services.
Our working hours are: 8am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
The team comprises of:
Saoirse Read
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Team Service Manager and Consultant Nurse
Saoirse joined the team in September 2013. She is a Learning Disabilities trained nurse and has many years' experience working in a manager’s role.
Lisa Donaldson
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Team Nurse Manager
Information to follow .....
Kerry Greenidge
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Specialist Nurse
My name is Kerry, and I have previously worked in Paediatric Theatres and Recovery. I have worked within the Trust for 20 years.
Michael Amies
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Specialist Nurse
I am passionate about being an advocate for people with a Learning Disability or Autism and ensuring that they have the same access to care and support as anybody else.
Michelle Darch
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Specialist Nurse
I am Registered Learning Disability nurse who joined the Derriford team in June 2025. I have previously worked in a similar team, but in a Bristol hospital, and have worked as a Learning Disability Nurse in various roles and teams for 30 years! Plymouth is where I am from originally, so this is me returning home to be near my family, and to enjoy the sea and moors! Think we take it for granted, until it’s not nearby……. And I love the outdoors, camping and nature, so am happy to rediscover the area!
Patrick Doherty
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Specialist Nurse
I’m a qualified Learning Disability Nurse with a background in community learning disability services, inpatient mental health services, and supporting neurodiverse adults and children in both educational and home settings. I currently work as a Learning Disability and Autism Liaison Specialist Nurse at Derriford Hospital, where I help ensure that hospital care is safe, person-centred, and accessible for all. I'm passionate about advocating for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and I work closely with individuals, families, and hospital teams to reduce health inequalities and promote positive experiences of care.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing rugby, exploring new places, listening to music, and discovering great food along the way.
Allison Guest
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Team Specialist Practitioner
My name is Ally. I am a Specialist Practitioner with the learning disability and autism liaison team here at Derriford hospital (University Hospitals Plymouth). I have worked for the trust since 2016 but have been in a caring role since 2012. My background is acute same day emergency medicine (SDEC) with a strong interest in learning disabilities and autism. I joined the liaison team in April 2025.
My passion is to make sure patients receive person centred care regardless of their disabilities and facilitate that to the best of my ability. I can provide a calming experience in an otherwise stressful environment. Outside of work you can find me by the ocean or with my 2 dogs.
Tara Allin
Learning Disability & Autism Liaison Team Assistant
Tara joined the team in March 2020. She has worked with vulnerable adults for the last 10 years. Utilising her administrative training and skills she has supported a gentleman with Autism to run his own business, worked in residential care homes in Plymouth and supported autistics adults at the local NAS group.
Tara has a passion for supporting marginalised and misunderstood people; whether this is due to cognitive disabilities or difficulties, undiagnosed conditions or subsequent mental health issues.
Contact the Team
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by telephone: 01752 431566
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via the Derriford Hospital Switchboard on 01752 202082
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