Hywel Dda University Health Board is the first in Wales to achieve 'Autism Understanding' status. Awarded by the National Neuro-divergence Team, the accreditation recognises the board's commitment to understanding autism, benefiting both staff and patients. To earn the 'Autism Understanding' status, 85 per cent of Hywel Dda's 13,000 staff were required to complete e-learning modules.
This ensures that both the board and its employees are acknowledged as having a comprehensive understanding of autism. The achievement is hoped to enhance the support for neuro-divergent staff and patients within the working environment and when accessing healthcare. At a special event on October 31 at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff, representatives from Hywel Dda's neuro-developmental services were presented with the award.
Catherine Vaughan, service delivery manager for neuro-developmental services at Hywel Dda, said: "Being neuro-divergent means the way in which we experience the world is different. "We are working closely with the national neuro-divergence team for Wales and services across the health board, as we want to increase awareness and understanding around autism and other neuro-divergent conditions throughout the organisation." Ms Vaughan acknowledged that the 'Understanding Autism' e-learning module is just the start.
She said: "We're now an ‘Understanding Autism’ organisation but in time, the vision is for departments to develop even greater knowledge and skills to be more aut.