Good practice in learning disability nursing Gwen Moulster Project Officer, Department of Health December 2007

Background Lots of things have changed in the last few years. There have been several reports that have made us think about what nurses do.

Learning disability nurses are person-centred Their main job is to support people with a learning disability to have the life they want, by improving or maintaining physical and mental health

Learning disability nurses: Help people with learning disabilities and their families Encourage people to be healthy Provide nursing input and direct support to people with complex needs Work in a range of settings Work in partnership

Why do learning disability nurses work in this way? Mental and physical ill health may present barriers to inclusion and the achievement of things that are important Help reduce barriers and support the person to pursue a fulfilling life

Changing needs Increased incidence of a wide range of physical and mental health conditions Increase in the number of people with profound and complex needs Increase in people dependent on medical technology

Key Messages Roles targeted to health related activities as a first priority Plan the workforce of the future. Increase effectiveness of the contribution made by LD Nurses Initiate appropriate action by: –Health providers –Social care providers –Educators –Commissioners –Learning disability nurses

What every learning disability nurse can do All learning disability nurses should have the range of essential, core competencies that ensure they can respond to the needs of people with a learning disability

Tackling inequality Service providers, commissioners of primary, secondary and prison physical healthcare should assess how education and advice needs of staff are met currently and where services require input from learning disability nurses

Benchmarks of good practice Practice is values based Nurses have essential competencies for practice Responsive to the diverse needs in local communities Supporting the provision of excellent physical healthcare to people with learning disabilities in all settings

Benchmarks of good practice Excellent mental health care for people with learning disabilities Safeguard vulnerable people Commissioning of services responds to the needs of people with a learning disability LD nurses working in inpatient care services provide excellent person centred care

Benchmarks of good practice LD nurses employed in social care settings are able to contribute to responding to health needs LD nurses carry out formal case management roles only where this is required to meet needs that are predominantly health related Practice based on sound evidence

Benchmarks of good practice Contribute to the development of the local and national evidence base re: health needs of people with learning disabilities Newly qualified learning disability nurses have the essential skills to practice effectively All learning disability nurses have access to advice on professional issues

Benchmarks of good practice Learning disability nurses adopt new ways of working to improve care provided based on local need Learning disability nurses utilise specialist skills as required by local planning and strategic needs assessments

What next? Self assessment by nurses against benchmarks Partnership Board review contribution of nurses in all settings and roles Organisations review contribution of nurses Workforce review and plan Education and training review and plan Strategic development plans Measurement and governance

What are the implications/opportunities identified in the guidance for: You Your employer Other providers of health care Other providers of care/services for people who have learning disabilities Strategic service planners Workforce planners Education providers

Action planning What are you going to do next? Identify 2 actions and set dates to achieve these. If you are with colleagues consider some joint actions too

Good practice in learning disability nursing Gwen Moulster Project Officer, Department of Health December 2007