Isle Of Wight Phlebotomy Team Gains National Accreditation For Learning Disability Support

The Phlebotomy team at Isle of Wight NHS Trust has been awarded national accreditation in recognition of its support for people with learning disabilities.

The Level One Learning Disability Friendly Accreditation is presented to clinical teams that provide safe, inclusive and person-centred care.

People with lived experience are involved in the assessment process, working alongside healthcare professionals to review evidence and evaluate services.

Shannon Bridget, Phlebotomist, who led the accreditation process, 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 can face additional barriers when accessing healthcare, and the accreditation aims to help reduce inequalities while encouraging continuous improvements in patient care.

The Learning Disability Liaison Team, run by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust alongside services at St Mary's Hospital, hopes all clinical areas will eventually achieve the accreditation.

Steven Reynolds, Learning Disability Liaison Nurse Specialist, 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.

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