Learning Disability Champions
What are Learning Disability Champions?
A Learning Disability Champion is a member of hospital staff.
They help people with a learning disability get the care they need when they are in hospital.
Why is this role important?
People with a learning disability can:
Need more time to understand information
Find it hard to explain pain or illness
Need extra support to get the same care as everyone else
Sometimes people are not listened to properly.
Learning disability champions help to stop that happening.
What does a Learning Disability Champion do?
Helps the person
Talks to the person first
Gives them time to think and answer
Uses simple words
Explains tests and treatment clearly
Uses helpful information
Reads your Health Profile
Helps complete one if it is missing
Shares important information with the ward staff
Makes reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are small changes that help someone.
For example:
Extra time for appointments
Quiet spaces
Letting carers stay
Explaining things more than once
Works with others
Works with the Learning Disability Liaison Nurse
Supports staff on the ward
Shares learning and good practice
Keeps people safe
Looks out for health problems
Does not make assumptions
Raises concerns if worried
Helps make sure the person gets fair and equal care
Contact us
In our health board, over 350 staff members are trained as Learning Disability Champions.
If you are on a ward, the staff can email the Health Liaison Team and we will contact the right Champion to help support you.
