RCN welcomes learning disability nursing plan for NI

The RCN has welcomed a DHSSPS action plan on the future of learning disability nursing in Northern Ireland but has raised concerns about the decline in numbers and the ageing profile of the workforce.

Responding to a DHSSPS consultation on the Modernising learning disabilities nursing review: strengthening the commitment: Northern Ireland action plan, the RCN states that: “The proposals set out in this consultation paper have the potential to make a significant contribution to modernising the learning disability nursing workforce in Northern Irland and enhancing its capacity to deliver the type of client-focused service that is envisaged by the Bamford Review and the Transforming your Care reforms.

However, the RCN warns: “There is a clear need to increase the size of the workforce and ensure an appropriate flow of younger nurses into this area of practice by supporting the commissioning of pre-registration and post-registration education”. The response also highlights the importance of strengthening the professional governance and accountability structures for learning disability nursing, both within and outside the HSC.