Call for more support for Scots with learning difficulties

SCOTS with learning disabilities should have improved access to expert learning nursing and support, a newly published report has said today.

The report said that the nursing workforce would have to adapt to cope with an expected growth of 14 per cent number of people with learning disabilities between 2001 and 2021.

Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, today launched ‘Strengthening the Commitment’, the report of the UK Modernising Learning Disabilities Nursing Review.

Mr Matheson said:“Learning disabilities nursing has an essential part to play in our health and social care systems across the UK.

“Learning Disabilities Nurses have sometimes lacked the attention and recognition that other nursing specialties have attracted.

“Strengthening the Commitment sets out a blueprint for how Learning Disabilities Nurses can develop their skills and capacity to deliver the person-centred care that people with learning disabilities and their families and carers need, want and deserve.

“I look forward to implementing Strengthening the Commitment’s recommendations. We want to encourage aspiring leaders in learning disabilities nursing and create a UK network to share best practice and continue with research.“