Bury mum thanks NHS team for helping son with medical appointments

Craig Robinson, 41, who is autistic and has a learning disability, found health appointments involving blood tests, vaccinations, or body scans very difficult and would have severe anxiety before and after attending.

However, over the last year, the Bury adult learning disability team, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, has helped him overcome these challenges.

Community learning disability nurse, Jade Buckley, worked closely with Mr Robinson and his mother to help build his confidence.

Ms Buckley said: "We role-played scenarios as doctors and nurses, and with the use of props to demonstrate how blood tests are taken, we built a trusting relationship with Craig over time.

"With the support of his family, he could eventually tolerate touch from myself, and then others, and allowed us to pretend to take a blood test."

They arranged for a blood test to be taken at home, which avoided the stress of travelling to a clinic or sitting in the waiting room.

Mr Robinson was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age and needed an electroencephalogram test (EEG) on his brain to determine if more medication was needed to help with his seizures.

Ms Buckley said: "We knew there had been a previous attempt which was quite traumatic for Craig as the test involves a number of small metal discs being placed directly on the scalp, which are then connected to lots of wires."

To help Mr Robinson prepare, Ms Buckley crafted some stickers and fake wires at home.

She then used Mr Robinson's favourite teddy bear to practice on.

Jade Buckley worked closely with Craig's mother to learn more about Mr Robinson and find effective ways to build his confidence (Image: Sarah Martin)

Ms Buckley said: "For four weeks we worked with the teddy through role play.

"We put the stickers and wires on the teddy's head and let Craig feel them and apply them himself.

"This helped to get him used to the feel of them and understand more about what was going to happen during his scan."

Ms Buckley worked with the hospital to put adjustments in place.

She arranged a longer appointment time, avoided waiting in the reception area, and had his mother and carer in the room.

During the scan, they helped to put Mr Robinson at ease by singing, dancing and playing games.

Davina Parry, occupational therapist in the Bury adult learning disability team, had also been working with Mr Robinson to help him become more comfortable in crowded public places.

Ms Parry supported Mr Robinson to feel safer, enjoy his experiences outdoors and take part in exercise activities.

They went to Jump Space, a sensory centre for people with learning disabilities, where Mr Robinson enjoyed trampolining alongside qualified trainers and coaches.

Mr Robinson's mother, Kate King, has given huge thanks to the team.

She said: "By keeping us involved and asking for our input at every stage of this process, we managed to find the right way to help him and it's worked so well.

"I've seen a remarkable difference in Craig so far.

"He used to be nervous going outside and being in crowds, especially because of the noise, but because of their help he can now enjoy himself and the experience.

"He's able to go to the doctors and even lets them check his temperature and give him drops for his ears, which he would never have done before.

"I cannot thank them enough."

The Bury adult learning disability service is for people with mild, moderate or severe learning disabilities who are registered with a GP in the borough.

People can contact 0161 716 4740 or visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/buryadultldteam.