"Staying in hospital with an assistance dog and autism"

I stayed on MEAU in Lincoln County Hospital for a week, most of which I was non verbal and communicating via BSL/makaton, communication cards and writing. The staff were absolutely incredible and the Ward Sister Victoria and one of the HCAs even went to collect my assistance dog in the middle of the night so that she could do her tasks and help me to calm down.

There were so many people who were amazing with me and I can’t remember all of their names, but the ones I can are HCA Amanda who made me laugh so much my stomach hurt, housekeeper Chris who spoilt my assistance dog with lots of treats, Sophie who took me to CT and had fun on the way letting Clara say hello to everyone and taking me out for fresh air when being in the hospital got too overwhelming, and nurse Wayne who knew some makaton so was able to translate what I was saying when I wasn’t able to talk.

Every member of staff and doctor I met was lovely and incredibly patient with me when I was confused and struggling to communicate. Even though they were under intense pressure as they were short staffed and the hospital was so full. They made an extremely stressful time more manageable and put all the support in place that they possibly could to ensure my well-being was the best it could be while I was there and on discharge.