- Conference
- 2008 Health Care Service Group Conference
- Date
- 14 December 2007
- Decision
- Carried
This conference is becoming increasingly alarmed at reports from across the United Kingdom that learning disability (LD) nurse training is being discontinued or is only taking place in one regional centre.
We are also concerned that this seems to be occurring with no proper discussion with the unions, Trusts, carers or service users themselves. There appears to be a level of disinterest and disorganisation within government departments as to exactly what is happening with regards to LD nurse training.
At a time when more and more learning disabled clients with challenging behaviour are being cared for in the community or less sheltered environments, we regard a well trained and adequately staffed nursing workforce as vital. In turn, this nursing workforce must contain a significant number of registered learning disability nurses to function safely and effectively.
We therefore call on the Health Group Executive to raise this issue as a matter of urgency with the Department of Health who in turn should be asked to liaise with Strategic Health Authorities, centres of Nurse Education and NHS Trusts.
We must ensure that this branch of nursing is not allowed to wither on the vine and eventually die out completely.