RCN calls for more training for learning disabilities nurses
Published: 29 July 2008
The RCN has called on the Government to take immediate action to implement the recommendations of an independent inquiry to improve the delivery of care for people with learning disabilities.
The comments follow the launch of Sir Jonathan Michael’s report Independent Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities which called for more staff training. The report stopped short of demanding new laws to ensure equal access, suggesting that existing legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act instead needed to be followed.
The RCN has emphasised the pivotal role of learning disability nurses and the importance of their training, referring to the evidence in the report which states that people with learning disabilities are receiving poorer and ad-hoc healthcare services due to a lack of understanding from practitioners, trusts and the Government.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing said:
“The independent inquiry recommended that all healthcare staff undergo the necessary education and training to effectively care for people with learning disabilities. This would give all staff a greater understanding of the needs of this vulnerable group of people and their carers.
Learning disability nurses offer a central and pivotal role in delivering and maintaining best practice. The skills and expertise these specialist nurses possess is clearly essential to ensuring the healthcare system works for everyone, no matter their disability, environment, cultural or socio-economic background”.
The inquiry follows the publication of the Mencap report, Death by Indifference.
Further information
Read more on Mencap’s Death by Indifference report on the Mencap website:
www.mencap.org.uk.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office. Telephone: 0207 647 3633, email: press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit the Media Centre.