The brilliant reason why Bolton hospital has introduced headphones for patients

A Bolton hospital has introduced noise-cancelling headphones for its patients with vulnerable needs.

Royal Bolton Hospital's latest devices are designed to offer comfort and a distraction from the bustling hospital environment.

They are being provided to individuals with learning disabilities to assist them in coping with the noise and activity.

Funded through 'Our Bolton NHS Charity', ten pairs are available upon request by speaking to hospital staff or the institution’s learning disability nurses.

Toni Anderton, enhanced care and support senior practitioner at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Many people with autism or cognitive impairment often experience heightened sensitivity to sounds, making everyday noises seem overwhelming and distressing.

"Wearing headphones provides a barrier that reduces the intensity of external sounds, helping to create a more soothing and manageable environment."

Kathryn Jackson, also an enhanced care and support senior practitioner at the trust, added: "People with sensory overload will often use their own coping strategies to avoid too much noise stimulation, but this is extremely difficult in a hospital setting causing more distress to what can already be a difficult time.

"We hope the option of wearing these headphones will improve their experience of visiting us at hospital."

Sarah Skinner, charity manager at Our Bolton NHS Charity, believes the headphones will greatly assist in providing care to the most vulnerable patients.

She said: "The anxiety of a busy hospital can be a barrier for some people to access the care and treatments they need, so by reducing sound sensitivity we hope to improve their experience and support better health outcomes."

The introduction of noise-cancelling headphones coincides with Learning Disability Week 2024 (June 17-23).