Access Compass guide
Hospital passports & reasonable adjustments (incl. procedures, sedation, blood tests)
A hospital passport helps hospital staff understand your needs when you have a learning disability or autism. Learn how to create one and get support from hospital liaison teams.
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Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people, Adults
Not yet verified Last checked 16 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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What is a hospital passport?
A hospital passport is a document that explains important information about a person with a learning disability or autism – such as how they communicate, their health needs, medication, likes and dislikes – so hospital staff can provide the right care. Northampton General Hospital uses passports to make reasonable adjustments and ask that carers bring one to appointments.
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Create or update your passport
Download a template from Mencap or your hospital's website and fill it out with the person you care for. Include details about communication, allergies, pain, anxiety triggers, how they express consent, and emergency contacts. Keep multiple copies and update it regularly.
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Contact the Learning Disability Liaison Team
Before your hospital visit, call the Learning Disability Liaison Team at Northampton General Hospital on 01604 545431 or email ngh-tr.learningdisabilityngh@nhs.net. They can plan reasonable adjustments, advise staff and help you prepare.
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During and after your stay
Give the passport to ward staff; keep it by the patient's bed and remind new staff to read it. After your visit, update the passport if anything has changed and share feedback with hospital liaison teams to improve services.
Useful links
Source: https://www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/Patients-and-Visitors/Learning-disability-support.aspx