Renfrewshire based learning disability nursing team scoop national award

This award aims to recognise those who have succeeded in raising standards of care for their patients and clients and have made an outstanding contribution to the care of service users.

The Renfrewshire Learning Disability Team’s assertive outreach model supports individuals with learning disabilities during crises, delayed discharges, and out-of-area placements. The team provides rapid, person-centered interventions, helping to sustain placements in the community, prevent hospital re-admissions, and assist individuals in transitioning back to their home areas. Their work has significantly alleviated caseload demands for their core nursing team, with successes in helping long-term inpatient patients sustain placements in the community.

The judges praised the team for their clear commitment to deliver positive change for their patients and their families. Head Judge, Philip Coghill, said “We were particularly impressed by the team’s commitment to affect change with evidence of the team working across boundaries and professions, through challenging times.”

Praising the team for their innovative work, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said: "Ensuring people with learning disabilities are supported to maintain their health and wellbeing is core to this branch of the profession, the Renfrewshire team play a vital role in enabling their patients to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. The team has shown that with an idea and investment, nursing can do wonders.”

Congratulations also go to runners up Kerry Anderson and Scott Taylor - Co-Chairs of the Scottish Learning Disability Nurse Leads, and our highly commended finalists Ward 7A Learning Disabilities Assessment and Treatment from NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

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