A new communication book has been introduced onto hospital wards to aid patients with learning disabilities or cognitive impairment issues.

Those suffering with such conditions can struggle to express or explain symptoms, causing anxieties and concerns to become even greater.

The book covers dietary requirements, explaining consent, how to enable patients to better communicate their needs, wants, signs and symptoms.

It also shows others how to explain the specifics of the patient's treatment or procedures.

Jane Rees, acute liaison nurse for Learning Disability and Autism, said: "It's about promoting choice.

"The book is an incredibly useful aid that helps members of staff to build a relationship with the patient and also to give patients the confidence to communicate their thoughts and feelings while in a hospital setting.

"The book is there for anyone struggling to express their concerns; whether they're patients with a learning disability, a hearing impairment, an acquired illness or injury that impairs communication, conditions such as autism, or patients for whom English is not their first language, the book is there to provide support.

"The response has been very positive.

"The books are there to help patients that have difficulty communicating.

"They're there to help with the patient's level of understanding, allowing the patient to have autonomy; to make decisions for themselves while simultaneously enhancing their capacity for independence."