Sensory kits introduced across NHS Community Services to support autistic patients at healthcare appointments
Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity initiative launches during Autism Acceptance Month to help reduce anxiety and improve access to care.
As part of Autism Acceptance Month, new sensory kits are being introduced across Mid Cheshire community healthcare services to help autistic patients and people with sensory processing needs feel calmer and more comfortable when attending NHS appointments.
For some patients, healthcare visits can be overwhelming. Unfamiliar environments, bright lights, new people and unexpected sounds can make attending clinics or hospitals difficult to navigate, particularly when patients are unsure what to expect.
Funded by a grant from Nationwide, Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity has supported the introduction of more than 60 sensory kits across community service sites including areas of Leighton Hospital, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, Eagle Bridge Health Centre in Crewe, Church View in Nantwich, Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre and Dene Drive in Winsford.
Each kit is stored in a small portable case and contains sensory and calming items such as fidget toys, colouring activities, calming toys and ear defenders designed to help patients regulate sensory overload and feel more comfortable during their appointment.
The kits are expected to benefit patients with autism, learning disabilities and sensory processing needs who may find healthcare environments particularly challenging.
They also include communication cards designed to support patients who may be non-verbal or unable to communicate easily in English. These cards help healthcare teams understand how a patient is feeling and how they can best support them during their visit.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity worked closely with the Sensory Processing Occupational Therapy Support Service (SPOTSS) to identify the most appropriate items for the kits. As they are used within clinical environments, careful consideration was also given to ensuring all items meet Infection Prevention Control (IPC) standards.
Alongside the sensory kits, the funding has also enabled the creation of short informational videos that help patients understand what to expect before attending their first appointment. The videos will be sent via text message ahead of visits to help patients feel more prepared and reduce anxiety about new environments or unfamiliar healthcare settings.
Although the videos were created with patients who benefit from reasonable adjustments in mind, it is expected that many patients will find them helpful and reassuring.
Emma Robertson, Head of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Nationwide for this colleague grant, which has been made possible through our strong relationship with the team at the Crewe branch. Their support is helping us make healthcare more accessible for people in our local community and ensuring that more patients feel comfortable attending the care they need.”
Claire Smith, Project Manager working to reduce health inequalities for patients across Mid Cheshire Community Services (CCICP), added:
“We cannot underestimate how challenging attending a healthcare appointment can be for some people in our community. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who needs healthcare support is able to access it equally.
“These sensory kits, along with the videos explaining what patients can expect from their appointment, are designed to reduce some of the barriers people face when accessing care. By helping patients feel more comfortable and prepared, we can support them to attend appointments earlier and prevent conditions from worsening.”