19 Vulnerable adults — what difference can training make?
Resolution submitted by the RCN Gwynedd Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress takes action to ensure that vulnerable adults are given the same consideration as vulnerable children and that fully resourced training for all nurses who care for vulnerable adults is made mandatory
Work led by the RCN Nursing Development Committee.
The Congress debate was around the need for safeguarding adults training to be in parallel with safeguarding vulnerable children. There was debate around the need for employers to see this training as priority for staff.
In 2008 the RCN partnered with distance provider EduCare to develop a programme to highlight key facts and issues surrounding the protection of vulnerable adults. The programme had input from and is supported by the British Paramedics Association, MENCAP, Spirehealth, St John Ambulance and Unite. The resource has been widely promoted, and discounted rates secured for RCN members.
The RCN has, in conjunction with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), GMB, Royal College of Midwives, National Union of Teachers, Society of Radiographers, UNISON and UNITE, agreed the core principles for the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA); these were launched at the Trade Union Congress in September 2008.
RCN Wales is to contribute to the Welsh Assembly Government's draft consultation on Escalating concerns with, and closure of, care homes providing services for adults. In Scotland, an adviser attended the learning disability Scotland event to promote the needs of vulnerable adults.
The RCN also contributed to the independent learning disability inquiry, led by Sir Jonathan Michael. The Department of Health (England) has accepted all 10 key recommendations of the inquiry report, has published Valuing people now - the government's three year strategy for people with learning disabilities, and will commit to continue its work with a range of stakeholders to highlight the needs of vulnerable people with a learning disability. This report will have broader impact on all vulnerable groups (not only LD)
As part of its Dignity campaign, the RCN developed a variety of training resources - including an award-winning DVD - to support members in addressing the fundamental needs of vulnerable adults. The RCN now plans to target these resources at selected key organisations for further dissemination. The RCN also developed a range of resources to support the needs of especially vulnerable groups, including homeless people, learning disabled groups, prisoners and sex workers.
The RCN has staff representation on the multi-professional working group of the Department of Health which is currently reviewing 'No secrets' - Vulnerable Adults. There are expected to be clearer requirements set out in future on the needs of vulnerable adults and the needs of staff who care for them.
Many of the issues of vulnerability that have been highlighted since last RCN Congress will be addressed.
Through its work related to the Bamford Review, RCN Northern Ireland has continued to address and promote the interests of vulnerable adults. In 2008, in conjunction with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and other service user organisations, it articulated concerns about the Northern Ireland Executive's response to the Review, and also highlighted the negative impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review efficiency savings on service provision for vulnerable adults. In addition, RCN Northern Ireland engaged in a range of partnership initiatives, policy submissions and related events - including a masterclass on nursing in the criminal justice system.