Occupational Therapy at Cygnet Hospital Beckton
The grab bag supported the service user in attending a medical appointment which can often mean visiting an over-stimulating environment. The grab bag included sensory supports for each of the senses utilising items such as fidgets, communication cards, hot chocolate and Suduko. It also contained the servicer users’ health passport.
The grab bag has helped to increase the awareness of sensory interventions within the MDT.
One service user said: “My sensory grab bag, put together with the help of OT, is something I take with me to all hospital appointments and stays. My grab bag has helped me massively during hospital visits. It includes sensory toys, activities, communication cards and my autism health passport. These all help keep me feel safe, occupied and able to communicate. What’s good about the grab bag is it can be altered and changed so it is tailored for each individual. As someone who is neurodivergent and often has medical appointments, I would really recommend a sensory grab bag.”
Over the past few months the OT team have also led a ‘Creative Projects Group’ and created a Discharge Tree. The idea is that when a service user is discharged, they will write a short message on a paper leaf, to then be stuck on the tree. The tree will be displayed on the wall, for other service users to see these messages, and provide hope and motivation for their own recovery.
