Patient Support at UPMC Kildare Hospital

Creating a More Comfortable Healthcare Experience

At UPMC Kildare Hospital, we understand that hospital and healthcare visits can sometimes feel overwhelming for neurodivergent patients and their families. Busy waiting areas, unfamiliar environments, bright lighting, sounds, changes to routine, and medical procedures may create additional stress or anxiety for autistic patients, patients with ADHD, sensory sensitivities, learning differences, or other neurodivergent needs.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive healthcare experience across our hospitals, cancer centres and sports medicine clinics. Our teams work closely with patients, families and caregivers to help make visits more predictable, comfortable and accessible.

Below you will find a social story for visits to the hospital. It is available through video or can be downloaded as a PDF.

Download the Visiting UPMC Kildare Hospital Social Story (PDF).

Preparing for Your Visit

Preparing in advance can help reduce anxiety and make healthcare visits feel more manageable.

Before your appointment, procedure or hospital stay, we encourage patients and families to:

• Tell us about any sensory sensitivities or communication preferences
• Let us know if waiting in busy areas may be difficult
• Share any calming techniques or supports that help
• Bring comfort items such as headphones, sensory tools, favourite toys or blankets
• Ask questions in advance about what to expect during the visit

Where possible, our teams will work with families to support individual needs and provide a more comfortable experience.

Support During Your Visit

Our team understand that every patient communicates and experiences healthcare differently.

Patients and families are encouraged to let staff know:

• Preferred communication style
• Sensory triggers
• If extra processing time is needed
• If physical touch or medical equipment may cause distress
• What strategies help reduce anxiety

We aim to work collaboratively with families to provide compassionate, personalised care.

Helpful Tips for Parents and Caregivers

You know your child or family member best. Helpful ways to prepare for a visit may include:

• Talking through the visit in advance
• Make use of the UPMC Kildare Hospital Social Story
• Using visual schedules or countdowns
• Bringing familiar snacks, toys or sensory supports
• Scheduling downtime after appointments if possible