About us
Our team support children and young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism, who attend Alder Hey Hospital for an appointment. We are aware, that coming to Hospital can often be a stressful and overwhelming time for you and your child. We are here to make this journey positive and successful, ensuring that your child can access the care that is required.
Team vision
Children and young people with a Learning Disability, Autism or a Mental Health condition who attend Alder Hey have access to reasonable adjustments so their care, treatment and experience is accessible and equitable.
Reasonable Adjustments are everyone’s business!
According to the Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments are a legal requirement to ensure healthcare settings are accessible to all. Often, the adjustments are small but can make a big difference to your child’s care. With these adjustments in place, we know that patients are more likely to receive appropriate care, to support their health needs. Reasonable adjustments are personalised to your child, please ensure you make staff aware of their needs and if unsure, please ask what adjustments can be made.
Meet the team
Nurse Consultant – Andrea O’Donnell (Mental Health)
Team Leads
Laura Weatherall (Learning Disability/Autism)
Tony Maguire (Mental Health)
Nursing staff
Georgia Watterson (Learning Disability/Autism)
Megan Hughes (Learning Disability/Autism and Mental Health)
Additional staff
Jo Manley (Healthcare Assistant – Learning Disability/Autism)
Aimee Dyson (Admin – Learning Disability/Autism and Mental Health)
Referral information
- Learning Disability and Autism branch: Child or young person must have a formal diagnosis of a Learning Disability and/or Autism or be placed on any relevant pathways.
- Mental Health branch: Child or young person with a diagnosis or pathway of a mental health condition. The team may also support young people without a diagnosis/pathway based on presentation.
Contact us
Get in touch – Learning Disability and/or Autism branch
Our working hours are 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Get in touch – Mental Health branch
If you feel that your child would benefit from input from the Mental Health branch of the Acute Liaison Team, please ask your child’s key nurse or consultant to complete an order for Learning Disability Nurse Specialist.