Cancer centre create film to help patients with learning disabilities
Posted 20th August 2020
Cancer treatment for anybody can be difficult, but for someone who has a learning disability or additional needs it can be truly overwhelming. With the support of individuals with a learning disability The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust has created a short film to help patients with learning disabilities gain confidence in attending hospital for treatment.
Featuring member of Knowsley Disability Concern’s BIG Group Lisa, the video aims to give patients with learning disabilities and their family, carers or advocates an opportunity to see what may happen at different stages in their treatment plan when they attend for radiotherapy.
Working with Pathways Associates and Knowsley Disability Concern, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s new film showcases the provisions the specialist cancer hospital have in place across their three sites so patients with learning disabilities and/or additional needs have the best possible experience when receiving treatment.
Speaking about her involvement in the video Lisa said: “When I first got asked to be part of the film I went to have a look around The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and see all of the equipment. When I saw the radiotherapy machine I instantly thought I’d be scared about going on it but after speaking to the staff who made me feel comfortable and safe I wanted to show other people it was okay.
“I was really proud of myself for taking part in the video and know it will make a big difference to other people.”
Jackie Rooney, Head of Nursing & Safeguarding at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “We place a huge emphasis on ensuring all our patients feel safe and secure when receiving cancer care from any of our hospitals or clinics. We understand it can be harder for patients receiving cancer treatment who have a learning disability or additional needs and they may be worried about the process involved.
“We’re delighted to now have this film as part of our introduction to cancer care for our learning disability patients and believe it will have a positive impact on their experience when visiting us for treatment. This is the beginning of a number of initiatives we have coproduced with individuals, advocates and carers, with more to follow.”
A British Sign Language version of the video is also available here.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre also recently introduced ‘distraction boxes’ for all clinical areas at their hospitals in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree for patients to use whilst receiving treatment or attending appointments. Donated by The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, the distraction boxes contain various items including twiddle muffs, games, colouring books, fidget cube, iPads and sunflower lanyards which are used to help identify patients who have a learning disability, autism or dementia.
