My name is  Lara, and I'm starting this petition because I have seen and heard the challenges faced by adults with special needs, including autism, when visiting hospitals. It’s heartbreaking to see the lack of appropriate spaces and services catering to their unique needs. While children’s hospitals or departments often have designated sensory rooms and trained staff, adults are left to navigate the overstimulating and often overwhelming environments in  accident and emergency, or in general waiting areas.

This oversight can make a stressful experience even more distressing, leading to increased anxiety and potentially poorer health outcomes. According to the British Medical Journal, individuals with learning disabilities or autism are already at a higher risk of experiencing inadequate healthcare. The NHS reports that people with such conditions face a significantly shorter life expectancy, often because their specific healthcare needs are overlooked or mishandled.

We cannot let this continue. It’s time hospitals recognize the importance of providing inclusive and accessible services for all patients, regardless of age. I urge the Department of Health and Social Care to take immediate action by:

1. Allocating designated sensory or 'sen' spaces within hospitals specifically for adults with special needs. These rooms should be calming, quiet, and equipped with sensory tools to help mitigate stress and anxiety.

2. Implementing mandatory training for hospital staff to better understand and manage the unique needs of these patients, ensuring compassionate and informed care.

3. Standardizing the use of hospital passports, which provide essential information about a patient's needs, preferences, and health requirements, ultimately leading to improved communication and care.

These measures will not only improve the healthcare experience for adults with special needs but also align with the principles of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that hospitals fulfill their duty to offer equitable treatment to all patients.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare system that respects and addresses the needs of every individual. Let's work together to protect and empower our most vulnerable citizens. Please sign and share this petition to help bring about much-needed change.