A family has praised staff at Prince Charles Hospital for the outstanding care and support they received when attending for dental treatment under general anaesthetic.
The parent of Ethan, who is profoundly autistic, non-verbal and has significant sensory needs, shared their experience to thank staff for the adjustments made to ensure his visit was as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
The family explained that clinical environments can often be challenging for Ethan, making hospital appointments an understandably worrying experience.
However, from the moment they arrived at Prince Charles Hospital’s Surgical Day Unit, they felt reassured by the care and attention shown by staff.
A designated arrival bay had been prepared for Ethan, while staff, including a Learning Disability Coordinator, were on hand to support him and his family from the outset. Efforts were made to reduce sensory overload, including maintaining a calm environment and clearing busy areas to make his journey through the hospital as comfortable as possible.
Throughout his visit, staff spoke directly to Ethan, ensuring he remained at the centre of every interaction. The family described how the team’s understanding of his individual needs helped him remain calm and cooperative during the experience.
Following his procedure, staff continued to tailor the environment to Ethan’s needs, keeping lights dimmed and noise levels low while he recovered. When he was ready to leave, staff escorted the family back to their car to ensure they felt safe and supported.
The family paid special tribute to Jo, Learning Disability Coordinator, for her support and dedication throughout the day.
In their feedback, they said:
“Jo ensured everything went as it should and that Ethan’s needs were the priority. She is incredible in her role and made me feel supported throughout the whole experience.”
Reflecting on the care provided, the family added:
“When the right adjustments are implemented and it’s done like it was yesterday, then it’s done to perfection. I cannot thank them enough for making a stressful situation so much easier to go through.”
The feedback highlights the importance of reasonable adjustments and person-centred care in helping people with learning disabilities and autism access healthcare services in a way that meets their individual needs.
Prince Charles Hospital is proud of the teams who work every day to ensure patients and families receive compassionate, inclusive care and the best possible experience
