13 May 2026

Our MRI Team is celebrating achieving the Level 1 Learning Disability Friendly Standards accreditation, recognising the team’s commitment to delivering more accessible, inclusive and person-centred care for people with learning disabilities.

The accreditation highlights the work undertaken by the department to improve the experience of patients attending appointments, helping to reduce anxiety and ensure patients receive the reasonable adjustments they need.

A key part of the accreditation process involved working alongside the Learning Disability Team from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust including Jon, who supported the team throughout the journey and shared invaluable insight from a lived experience perspective.

Jon said: “Being able to have the opportunity to visit the department before an appointment can make a huge difference for people with learning disabilities. It helps reduce fear and uncertainty. The extra appointment time is also really important because it allows people to feel more comfortable, understood and supported.”

The work was led by Isle of Wight NHS Trust Radiography Assistant, Jessica Taton-Kugel, who worked closely with colleagues, patients and Learning Disability Experts by Experience Team to develop a range of supportive resources and improvements within the department.

These included the creation of accessible information, easy read materials, staff training resources and a series of videos designed to help patients better understand what to expect during their MRI appointment. The department also introduced pre-visit opportunities, allowing patients with learning disabilities to visit the MRI department beforehand to familiarise themselves with the environment and equipment, helping to alleviate anxiety ahead of their appointment.

The accreditation reflects the department’s dedication to improving accessibility and ensuring patients with learning disabilities receive equitable healthcare experiences tailored to their individual needs.

Radiography Assistant, Jessica Taton-Kugel said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Level 1 Learning Disability Friendly accreditation. This has been a real team effort and demonstrates our commitment to making MRI services more accessible and less daunting for people with learning disabilities. Small adjustments can have a significant impact on a patient’s experience and outcomes.”

The Learning Disability Friendly Standards were developed by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to support departments in improving care, communication and reasonable adjustments for patients with learning disabilities, in line with national guidance and best practice. Since then other NHS Trusts across the region were encouraged by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB to adopt the standards.

Steven Reynolds, Learning Disability Specialist Nurse, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “This accreditation is incredibly important because we know that people with learning disabilities continue to experience significant health inequalities and are more likely to die earlier than the general population. By working towards Learning Disability Friendly standards, we are ensuring our services follow best practice guidance, make reasonable adjustments and provide more personalised, compassionate care.”

Other departments are in the process of working towards achieving the Level 1 accreditation including phlebotomy, day surgery ward, day surgery theatres and the intensive care unit.