A Family Perspective
Sky News report into Assessment and Treatment Units
You may have seen a series of reports on Sky News this week, where health correspondent Paul Kelso spoke about the abuse of ATUs – in-patient facilities intended for the short-term assessment, treatment and stabilisation of people with mental health conditions who display challenging behaviours. Individuals with a learning disability or autism are supposed to […]
Mandatory learning disability and autism training debated
Two years ago, 18-year-old Oliver McGowan died after being given anti-psychotic medication against the wishes of him and his family. The teenager, had mild autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. His family believe his death could have been prevented if relevant training had been given to healthcare professionals. As a result, his mother, Paula […]
News
Sky News report into Assessment and Treatment Units
You may have seen a series of reports on Sky News this week, where health correspondent Paul Kelso spoke about the abuse of ATUs – in-patient facilities intended for the short-term assessment, treatment and stabilisation of people with mental health conditions who display challenging behaviours. Individuals with a learning disability or autism are supposed to […]
Mandatory learning disability and autism training debated
Two years ago, 18-year-old Oliver McGowan died after being given anti-psychotic medication against the wishes of him and his family. The teenager, had mild autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. His family believe his death could have been prevented if relevant training had been given to healthcare professionals. As a result, his mother, Paula […]
International Friendship Day
Yesterday was International Friendship Day – a day to promote friendship across cultures, famously celebrated in South East Asia with the giving of cards and gifts. The UK may not share in this level of festivity; however the day is a timely reminder to appreciate our friends and reflect on what friendship means to people […]
Response to Petition
Recently we urged you to sign the petition led by Paula McGowan – “Prevent avoidable deaths by making autism/learning disability training mandatory”. The Government have now responded to this petition, please read below: We want all staff to receive the support, training and professional development they need to support people with learning disabilities and autism, […]
Morrisons Quieter Hour
Supermarket shopping can be overwhelming – with noise from music, tannoy announcements and check out tills and so after a successful trial, Morrisons the supermarket chain has introduced a weekly ‘quieter hour’. The initiative is designed to make it easier for those with autism to shop and will include dimmed lights, lowered sound levels and […]
Book Review: The Language of Kindness – Christie Watson
Continuing our review series, we take a look at inspirational reading from Christie Watson who charts her life in nursing in the book, The Language of Kindness. ‘I have been a nurse for twenty years. But it is only when my dad is dying…that I begin to understand the importance of kindness and the depths […]
