Letter from the Chair

Published: 17 October 2011

Dear member

It is a busy time in learning disability nursing at the moment with lots going on across the four countries of the United Kingdom.  The most important issue is that the activity that is taking place is focusing on ensuring that learning disability nurses, wherever they practice, direct their knowledge and skills to ensuring the care needs of children, adults and older people are addressed. 

You will be aware that in January 2011 the Royal College of Nursing published their position report on learning disability nursing in response to issue raised by members. The report, Learning from the past, setting out the future, sets out the actions that the RCN are taking forward in relation to education, workforce and leadership to ensure that learning disability nurses are prepared and supported to deliver quality care.  There are a number of work streams in progress and the Learning Disability Forum Committee welcomes involvement from members to achieve success. 

The appointments for the Learning Disability Forum Committee have now been completed and we now have a full membership again.  The members of your Committee are:

Dr Michael Brown, Chair
Professor Owen Barr
Ian Mansell
Anne Campbell
Daniel Marsden
David Currrie
Simon Jones

The members of the Committee are working on a number of initiatives with the support of the RCN Nursing Directorate and with the support of our Professional Adviser, Ann Norman.

Modernising Learning Disability Nursing, the review being undertaken across the four countries of the UK and hosted by Ros Moore, Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland on behalf of the Health Departments will set out the developments necessary in the future to enable learning disability nurses to contribute effectively to meeting needs in the future.  Hazel Powell has taken up post as the Project Manager and she can be contacted at hazel.powell@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk. 

In addition to the work being undertaken through the Modernising Learning Disability Nursing Review the RCN are involved in projects that will capture the views and experience of 3rd year learning disability nursing students and how we maximise their contributions for the future.  A new and innovative DVD focusing on the diverse roles undertaken by learning disability nurses across the UK is being planned so as to ensure that the good work that is being undertaken is recognised.  Work is also being undertaken with learning disability nurses working in the independent sector to identify workforce and education needs

RCN Congress is a key event for your diary and members who have not attended before should take the opportunity.  In 2012 Congress is being held in Harrogate from the 13th – 17th May.  Attendance is free, so visit the RCN website to find out more and register to attend. 

The Committee are particularly keen to hear from members about issues relating to their education, workforce and leadership, so please contact Ann Norman at ann.norman@rcn.org.uk to share your thoughts.

Michael Brown, Chair