Useful Information

The Hospital Communication Book
Developed on behalf of The Learning Disability Partnership Board in Surrey
Go to http://www.communicationpeople.co.uk/Hospital%20Book.htm

The 24 page Hospital Communication Book is a fantastic resource for anyone with communication difficulties who may need support in a hospital setting. It is full of useful information for hospital staff, people who need or use augmentative communication strategies, their families and friends. It has communication tips and good illustrations, which make it fun to read. Although designed as a support for people with learning disabilities, the information is useful for many others who are managing a hospital stay for the many patients who are communication vulnerable. Best of all you can download and use the information for free.

• The first section has information about how to support people who have difficulty speaking and/or understanding spoken language, as well as those with visual impairments and hearing loss. Authors discuss the use of signing, pictures and photos for communication and explain some of the key communication issues people face while they are in hospital.
• The second section contains pages of pictures that give people choices, explain what is going to happen, and help them to communicate with hospital staff and family members. Included are ways to help people chose drinks or food. ask questions (e.g., when do I go home?) and participate in their own care (e.g., degree of pain, symptoms, personal items, body parts).

Have a look at this book, download it, and tell others about it.

A big thank you to The Learning Disability Board Surrey for sharing this helpful resource. Medical staff, patients and families can now access valuable and practical help to support communication in the hospital.