The award was presented following a year-long effort across both hospitals to embed autism-friendly practices, including tailored staff training, sensory adjustments and improved communications tools. Teams also developed personalised care planning strategies to ensure that autistic patients receiving treatment at the hospitals felt involved and respected during their care. Delivery a high-quality and safe level of care is at the core of how both hospitals approach the delivery of care.
Led at every level by staff members, the award has an especially important significance as many of the people who work at The Kings Oak and The Cavell Hospitals have a personal connection to autism – through children, loved ones or close friends. Throughout the accreditation process, their lived experience added empathy and deep personal understanding, ensuring that the hospitals’ approached addressed both the clinical and emotional needs of autistic patients.
Alongside the accreditation process, staff from both hospitals recently took part in the Autism Acceptance Walk, raising over £1,400 for the National Autistic Society. Further partnerships have also been established with SPACE Hertfordshire and Nickel Support. Both charities supporting children, young people and adults with learning difficulties.
Lisa Douglas, Executive Director of The Kings Oak and The Cavell Hospitals, said:
“This accreditation is more than just a badge to us. It reflects our relentless drive to make our hospitals safe, welcoming and supportive to patients with autism and other learning difficulties. To have been recognised by the National Autisitic Society in this way demonstrates our lasting commitment to providing a calm, respectful and inclusive experience for every patient who walks through our doors.”
Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Autism Accreditation at the National Autistic Society, added:
“We are delighted that Kings Oak and Cavell Hospitals have achieved the Autism Inclusion Award. The team should be exceptionally proud of their achievement and commitment towards improving support for autistic people.”
With the award now in place, Kings Oak and Cavell Hospitals continue to lead by example - making healthcare more inclusive and accessible, one step at a time. For details on the Autism Inclusion Award, visit: www.autism.org.uk