For patients with the type of learning disabilities or cognitive impairment issues that might hinder basic communication skills, the struggle to express or explain symptoms, anxieties and concerns can become a problem.

A new communication book introduced onto hospital wards in Cornwall earlier this month is now providing members of staff a way to better engage with their patients.

The book covers a range of subjects, including topics such as dietary requirements, explaining consent, how to enable patients to better communicate their needs, wants, signs and symptoms, and also how to explain the specifics of the patient’s treatment or procedures.

The safeguarding team are especially grateful to The Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, who have agreed to put forward the funding so that every ward and department is now able to have one of these new books to help further improve the level of one-to-one patient care.