Modernising Learning Disability Nursing

Published: 17 October 2011

Modernising Learning Disability Nursing

Aiming to develop a UK-wide professional framework to modernise and enhance the image, profile and contribution of learning disability nursing and ensure learning disability nurses utilise and develop their specialist knowledge and skills to maximise their contribution to providing the best possible health outcomes for people with a learning disability

The framework will focus on four areas:

•   Developing a competent and flexible workforce: quality and service development (Northern Ireland)
•   Preparing and developing learning disability nurses: education and training (Scotland)
•   Career pathways and career choices: leadership, management and supervision (Wales)
•   Modernising the learning disability work force: workforce planning for health and social care (England)

All four work streams are underway and a joint statement will be produced in January that gives direction to learning disability nurses and a statement of intent with short and long term recommendations that will then be taken forward. Recommendations will be UK wide wherever possible but the framework will also have a national action plans that take cognisance of the local context and allow maximum impact in each country.

We are engaging and working alongside a wide range of stakeholders including; learning disability nurses, people with a learning disability, family carers, RCN, directors of nursing/chief nurses, NMC, commissioners, providers of services, education leads.

If you want to find out more you can contact:
Hazel Powell (Programme Manager) on hazel.powell@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk