By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust’s phlebotomy team has been nationally recognised for its work supporting people with learning disabilities, after gaining Level One learning disability friendly accreditation. The award highlights clinical areas that provide safe, inclusive, and person‑centred care, and involves people with lived experience working alongside professionals to assess services.
Phlebotomist, Shannon Bridget, led the team’s accreditation work, aiming to ensure every patient felt “safe, understood, and respected”. She said the team had focused on improving communication, building staff confidence, and making reasonable adjustments a routine part of care. “Achieving Level 1 Accreditation reflects the genuine care and commitment our department now brings to every patient experience,” she said.
The accreditation helps reduce barriers faced by people with learning disabilities when accessing healthcare and supports ongoing improvements. Steven Reynolds, learning disability liaison nurse specialist, said the award recognised the team’s “dedication, compassion and hard work”, and hoped it would inspire other departments to follow suit.
