The Humber Sensory Processing Service provides specialist support to children who have sensory processing differences which impact their day-to-day lives. This service is for children aged 0-18 with a Hull or East Riding GP.
The service is delivered by a team of specially trained therapists who provide a formal sensory processing assessment along with advice on accommodations and strategies to support the young person. Referrals are received to the service by a health or social care professional or school SENcO.
Sensory processing is how our body receives and interprets stimuli through the senses, guiding our reactions and interactions with the environment. Our sensory systems play an important role in our ability to engage in the world around us. Each sensory system contributes uniquely, helping us maintain position, alertness, and movement.
Staff requested funding from Health Stars to buy equipment for a new sensory processing room at East Riding Community Hospital, aiming to improve services for children and their families.
“Since the service opened in 2020, we have carried out our assessments once a week at The Children’s Centre at Walker Street in Hull, or other venues where we could book a room”, said Sally Fernie, Service Lead and Sensory Integration Therapist. “Because the room was hired, we had to bring our own equipment which would have to be set up and then pack away at the end of each clinic.
“As the service developed, we decided that we needed a dedicated and fully equipped assessment room which was accessible five-days a week.”
The Sensory Processing Team worked with the Trust’s Estates Team to secure a room at East Riding Community Hospital in Beverley. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Estates Team for their support,” said Sally Ward, Advanced Occupational Therapist and Clinical Lead for the Sensory Processing Service. “From finding the room to decorating it, their efforts have been crucial in ensuring a comfortable space for the children, young people, and families who use our service.
“Our new clinic room allows us to assess children and young people’s sensory systems through play in an environment that is comfortable, inviting and calm. It also allows parents to play with their child during the assessment and realise their child’s strengths. We have welcomed children and young people, ranging in age from 3 to 17, to enjoy our new space.”
“We can now schedule appointments throughout the week, reducing wait times and providing strategies to support children, young people, and their families in daily activities.
The team have named the space the Sensory Nest and they have already had positive feedback from families who have accessed it. One parent said: “The service is fabulous; professionals were compassionate, and I never felt rushed through any appointment. We got a good chunk of time in our clinic appointment, the space was like a breath of fresh air with the added bonus of generous parking.”
“We are really appreciative to Health Stars for funding the equipment for the Sensory Nest,” said Sally Ward.
