A SIMPLE “bag of calm” created by a mother whose son has autism is being used at Yate Minor Injuries Unit to help other children struggling to cope with the medical surroundings.

It is thought the unit, which is run by Sirona Care & Health, is the first of its type to offer this support to children and their families. 

Matron Sarah Tosh is hoping other emergency departments will also adopt it.

The idea first came to light when six-year-old Rowan Lloyd needed care after hurting his ankle playing football.

Rowan’s mum, Kelly Lloyd brought him in to the MIU, where she got talking to Matron Tosh about ways of improving the hospital experience for autistic children.

Two weeks later Kelly returned to the centre with a special bag, complete with sensory based toys and a brightly coloured weighted cuddle blanket, for the staff to give to children who they felt would benefit from it. 

The unit already has a child friendly distraction box in the clinic rooms and a quiet room where people can wait if need be.

Kelly, 41, a mother-of-four, from Coalpit Heath said: “It is so lovely that Matron Tosh embraced this; there aren’t words to describe what it means. We all know the pressure that staff are under, but they are taking the time to make a difference. 

“This is going above and beyond and if it helps just one child, then it has been worth it.”

Jo Marie Shanks, from the community organisation South Glos Parents and Carers, said: “I think it is amazing; we like celebrating good practice and we are keen to promote this as it is improving access to services and reducing stress levels for families.”

Kelly had already worked on similar bags with the Bristol Autism Support and they are now commonly found in museums across the city.

She said: “Everybody has heard of autism but they don’t necessarily know what it means or the best way to communicate.

"Language is not as important as visual communication, and anxiety levels for children with autism can increase very quickly. I want to do as much as I can to raise awareness.”

Matron Tosh said: “We are all unique and deal with things differently; children with autism need a different approach as they cannot communicate how they feel. They often have a very high pain threshold and can be walking on a broken limb but not know it.

“If a parent or carer informs our receptionist that their child is autistic, we ensure they are seen quickly, as we know they do not like lots of noise and can be agitated by lights or sounds and there are different triggers which can cause them to be upset.

"The bag is full of sensory related items which will help keep them calm while they are being assessed and I’m sure it will make a difference.

“We are also developing information cards, but in the meantime my message to parents and carers is to make sure they tell our reception staff if their child is autistic and we will make sure the bag of calm is available and nursing staff are made aware.”