National Sensory Network

The Sensory Friendly Inpatient Environments project was a one-off, award-winning project funded by NHS England to improve the experience of individuals affected by sensory processing issues on inpatient mental health wards. The National Sensory Network was established as part of this project.

The project arose from increasing national recognition that our inpatient environments can have a detrimental effect on autistic people and others with sensory processing. In the past, this has led to extended stays and increased use of practice.

Sensory Friendly Inpatients Environment research
Though awareness of autistic people’s sensory needs is beginning to be recognised, there is some way to go, and it is also important to acknowledge sensory needs across wider patient groups. We know that wards are still causing preventable sensory overload for people (Care Quality Commission, 2020). Often, there are no adaptations to the sensory environment, and whilst costly larger-scale environmental changes are not always possible, it is feasible to address smaller changes and to highlight changes that need future investment. 

The Sensory Friendly Inpatient Environments project was piloted at a low secure service in Bradford beginning in 2022-23. It was extended to pilot sites across Bradford Foundation District Care Trust and four wards at Leeds and York Foundation Partnership Trust in 2023-24. It delivered training, resource allocation, pathways and procedures and this National Sensory Network. The project was a collaboration with Advonet, Bradford Foundation District Care Trust and Leeds and York Foundation Partnership Trust. Existing national networks had run down or were focused only on children. The National Sensory Network was established as part of the project, and to ensure that the knowledge and learning continued to be available, Sensory Integration Education - a not-for-profit training provider - agreed to sponsor and expand access to the Network.

Relevant Policy 

Nationally, the project supports and accelerates commitments of the ‘National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026’ (Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education, 2021) and ‘Meeting the needs of autistic adults in mental health services’ (NHS England, 2023). It aligns with principles outlined in ‘sensory friendly wards’ guidance and enables implementation of the Equality Act, 2010 (NHS England, 2023). It addresses recommendations from ‘Out of sight who cares?’ and ‘It’s Not Rocket Science’ (Care Quality Commission, 2020; National Development Team for Inclusion, 2020). It supports the NHS long-term plan and aims of the Five Year Forward View for mental health. It is complementary to trauma-informed practice by minimising environmental contributors to distress.