A2A Access to Acute Hospital Network

The A2A network is concerned primarily with the issues surrounding people with a learning disability, their carers and staff in the general hospital.

The A2A network was formed in 1998 and has expanded to become a national network for people who support people with a learning disability when they are in the general hospital. This may be as an outpatient or on admission (emergency or elected). The National Patient Safety Agency identified the vulnerability of people with a learning disability in the general hospital as a Key Area of risk.

The membership is open to anyone who has an interest in this area of work, but is mainly comprised of nurses who work in the field of learning disability, with some staff who work in the general hospital. The network is closely affiliated to others in learning disability (UK Primary Care Network, Mental Health in Learning Disability) and also with the Valuing People Support Team.

During the Summer of 2005 the network has become regionalised in order that more people could attend the meetings; the national meetings will continue.

All the information is available on the web, including minutes, agendas and documents.

See also the National Patient Safety Agency.