New NHS facility to support adults with additional needs who require surgery

People with additional needs, such as autism and ADHD who require surgery at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital will now have access to two new sensory rooms, which have been designed to improve the experience of care for these patients.

Staff in the Royal’s Theatre Admissions Unit (TAU) noticed an increase in patients with additional needs and were inspired by Becky Brumpton, who funded a sensory room at the hospital where she works, in honour of her 10-year-old son, who has autism.

Funded by Liverpool University Hospitals Charity, the rooms boast specialist visual and sound facilities such as colour changing wall panels, plinths with fibre optic lights, wall projectors and interactive sound panels and special soft furnishings. They offer a relaxed environment specifically for adult patients with autism and additional needs, who are having planned surgery.

The rooms, named Archie’s Place after Becky’s son, were recently officially opened by Becky. Becky’s son, Archie, was diagnosed with autism aged three. Following his diagnosis, Becky was aware that there were facilities available for young people with additional needs but found there was a need for a unit specifically to help adults.

The success of the room at Arrowe Park Hospital, where Becky works, inspired the Royal’s TAU team to work closely with Becky to recreate similar suites in Liverpool.

Sue Ryan, Divisional Nurse Director for Surgery at the Royal, which is part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT), also worked with members of the hospital’s Estates and Facilities team who volunteered their time to help fit the rooms.

Becky said:

“We have seen first-hand how adult sensory rooms can hugely reduce the barrier individuals with additional needs encounter when accessing healthcare. I’m excited that LUHFT has got onboard with implementing two suites at the Royal.

“I have worked closely with the TAU team to help educate them on how these small environmental changes will make a significant difference to those attending the department. My aim is to ensure that no one fears hospital admission and that they can be safe in the knowledge that their needs will be accommodated.”

Sue added:

“We were delighted to be able to work alongside Becky to make her vision a reality at the Royal. The rooms are a fantastic addition to the Royal. Our goal is to roll Archie’s Place out across our LUHFT sites to ensure that our surgical patients with additional needs receive the highest quality care when they attend our hospitals.”