Isle of Wight Phlebotomy team gain national accreditation for work on supporting people with learning disabilities

The Phlebotomy team at Isle of Wight NHS Trust has been recognised for its outstanding support for people with learning disabilities after being awarded national accreditation.

The Level One Learning Disability Friendly Accreditation is awarded to clinical areas that provide safe, inclusive and person-centred care for people with learning disabilities.

People with lived experience are part of the evaluation process, working alongside medical professionals to review evidence and assess services.

Shannon Bridget, Phlebotomist, who led on the team’s accreditation, said,

“I wanted every individual who came to our clinic to feel safe, understood and respected. I worked closely with our staff to build confidence, improve communication, and ensure that reasonable adjustments became part of our everyday practice, rather than an afterthought.

“Achieving our Level 1 Learning Disability Accreditation isn’t just a milestone, it reflects the genuine care and commitment our department now brings to every patient experience.”

People with learning disabilities often face additional barriers when accessing healthcare. This accreditation supports efforts to reduce inequalities and provides opportunities to continually improve patient care.

The Learning Disability Liaison Team, run by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and working alongside services at St Mary's Hospital, aspire to see all clinical areas gain this accreditation.

Steven Reynolds, Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Specialist at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said,

“I am proud to congratulate another team at the hospital who are championing inclusive care and making meaningful changes for patients with learning disabilities. This accreditation recognises the dedication, compassion and hard work of the Phlebotomy team, and highlights the positive impact they are having on patient experience.

“We hope their success will inspire other teams to follow suit and continue building a more accessible and inclusive healthcare environment for all.”