An innovative approach..
It was important for Josh to receive dental treatment before his decay caused serious infection and pain which he could not convey to us. This necessitated hospital day-care with general anaesthesia. Given his great reluctance to leave home, it proved to be an almost unsurmountable challenge.
Thanks to a new scheme introduced by Salford Royal Hospital, an anaesthetist was able to sedate him adequately at home, accompany him by ambulance to hospital and from there directly to the anaesthetic room. After expert dental care, Joshua was able to undergo MRI scanning, blood testing and an ECG in an attempt to better understand the cause of his long standing pain. As soon as it was safe to do so, he was able to come home the same day.
The hospital and the wonderful staff are to be highly commanded for this magical opportunity which will enhance the lives of many.
Oliver McGowan
This tragic loss reveals how imperative it is for all health professionals to understand and accommodate the needs of people who have autism.