Disability History Month - Michael's story

As we continue our celebration of Disability History Month we are pleased to share Michael's story.

Michael has worked with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) for a number of years during which time he has gone through the process of being formally diagnosed with Autism.

In this short video Michael describes his journey, the support he received and what he found supportive from his manager and from colleagues during this time.

There's lots of health and wellbeing support available for colleagues at CDDFT.

The CDDFT Health Passport continues to be used as a tool to facilitate and capture discussions between staff and managers on their disability and long term health conditions.

As a living document, the Health Passport provides an opportunity to discuss reasonable adjustments, changes in health and additional support that needs to be put in place.

Following recent feedback from staff our current document has seen some revisions to further identify and support colleague and managers.

A Neurodiversity toolkit and directory is also available that provides staff and managers with further information on a range of neurodiverse conditions.

'The treatment I have received from all the staff has been excellent and could you extend my thanks to them all. A very thankful and relieved patient'.

Patient, Dermatology Outpatients Department, University Hospital of North Durham