New sensory activity bags for people with learning disabilities attending A&E

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is now providing sensory activity bags for patients with learning disabilities and autistic people who need to attend the emergency department.

The project was the brainchild of Learning Disability and Autism Lead Nurse Lauren Bowler and ED nurses Jenny Oloo and Sonia Toombs, who recognised that visiting the emergency department can be more stressful for some patients because of the noise, crowds, bright lights, and unfamiliar surroundings.

Each bag contains a selection of items chosen with patients’ needs in mind. Ear defenders help reduce noise, while tactile items support sensory comfort and self‑soothing. Activity books, such as colouring and puzzle books, offer distraction and help pass the time in a meaningful way. The bags also include simple communication aids, enabling patients to express how they feel and helping staff and carers better understand their needs.

Making the hospital experience calmer with sensory activity bags

Many hospital trusts have pathways in place to help people with learning disabilities when they come to the emergency department, ensuring reasonable adjustments are made. In February, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust launched a new co-designed digital project to ensure that reasonable adjustments are in place for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, using a new electronic patient records system.

However, inequalities in healthcare still exist, often due to the lack of accessible information that sets out patient needs and enables staff to make reasonable adjustments, as well as limited support for staff who are not specialists in caring for patients with a learning disability.

The sensory activity bag project is funded by the Royal Surrey Charity to help make the experience calmer and more manageable for patients and ease their anxiety.

Lauren Bowler said: “Many patients arrive at the emergency department unexpectedly and may not have the familiar items with them that usually help them feel safe and settled. By being able to provide these sensory bags, we’re hoping to offer comfort and reassurance from the moment patients arrive, reducing distress and supporting their emotional wellbeing during their time in hospital.”

She added that the bags also provide staff with practical tools to help them interact with nervous patients in hospital settings, offering a more sensitive and person‑centred experience.

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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