As we head toward Learning Disability Nursing Day this coming Wednesday, our Consultant Nurse Amanda McKie is seeking volunteers in non-patient facing roles to help us pilot some new mandatory training.

The Government has introduced a requirement for CQC registered service providers to ensure their employees receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role.

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is their preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff.

Oliver’s training* has two tiers – and for now Amanda is looking to reach as many colleagues as possible from Workforce, Finance, Health Informatics and Corporate teams who all play a vital role supporting our patient facing colleagues.

They will take part in Tier 1 training which is a 90-minute e-learning session, with an accompanying handbook, as well as an hour-long event (online or in person), with an autistic person and someone with a learning disability as experts by experience.

Amanda said: “The role of a learning disability nurse is such a rewarding one. We work to provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a learning disability, as well as their families and colleagues, to ensure individuals live a fulfilling and healthy life.

“I know that CHFT colleagues are as passionate about playing their part too. It’s clear when the mandatory training we started last year has been carried out by 95% of colleagues.

“I’m really pleased that this new training also shines a light on how we can support our patients with Autism and would love to hear from colleagues who can support our pilot.”

If you can help Amanda and want to register for a place, please email learningdisabilities.chft@nhs.net 

Or if you have any questions call Amanda on 07827 084120 or HRI 35 5741.

* The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training.