Fundraiser for The Children's Emergency Department Sensory equipment and room for Autistic Children, those with Learning Disabilities and Neurodiversity
Andrew Seggie is raising money for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity
Story
The Problem: Hospital visits can be scary for autistic children, filled with noise and confusion.
For the last 12 months we have been undertaking a project with various stakeholders to improve the management of autistic children and their journey through our hospital.
Oliver McGowan was a young man with autism, epilepsy, and a learning disability. Oliver tragically passed away due to complications arising from antipsychotic medications prescribed during a hospital stay. Oliver was a vibrant young man with a zest for life, despite his challenges. He excelled in athletics and had a positive outlook. Oliver’s Campaign urges us to listen to families and caregivers, respect patient autonomy, and avoid unnecessary medication use in neurodivergent children. The ultimate goal is to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
https://www.olivermcgowan.org/
The Solution: We're building a sensory harbour with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and a special room for those who need it most.
One of the main places for sensory overload is Children’s ED. It is often hectic, busy and noisy. We are looking at ways to improve the patient experience such as a new sensory harbour with ear defenders, a SoundEar Noise Activated Warning Sign and a sensory room for those patients with the highest levels of need. Specific needs are to be tracked through the "Alert" on our computer system, and feedback from patients and carers is encouraged. There are new checklists to help identify specific needs and potential adjustments that we can implement during attendance. New communication aids are in use and these are standardised across the children’s hospital, regional neurodiversity services and specialist schools.
Our aim is to achieve the Autism Inclusion Award from the National Autistic Society (NAS) which recognises mainstream organisations supporting autistic people. This includes schools, healthcare providers, and community groups.
The funding we are aiming to raise here specifically targets the quote we received for the sensory room design and installation but will be used for this and other sensory equipment we require to make the department a more conducive environment.