"Learning Disability Care in Forth Valley"

I am a manager in adult social care services in the Forth Valley area, we look after adults with very complex needs and health complications. Recently a gentleman we support had to be admitted to Forth Valley Royal at probably the worst time, a severe spike in Covid cases, the hospital was at capacity and very much  under pressure, (he did not have Covid but was very unwell). The hospital staff were trying their best but with someone who can not eat, drink, bathroom or even ask for help without assistance it was clear this was going to be difficult.

We were aware of a Learning Disability Liaison Nurse, Jemma, who  became a vital link between us and the hospital. Through Jemma we were able to have staff in the ward 8am-8pm to provide the intense support the gentleman requires with people who understand him and he can trust despite having no verbal or even obvious communication we know him very well.

The care was generally very good, the staff were  excellent but it is necessary to have someone with a  knowledge of learning disabilities to help with complex patients, and to act as a link between care provider and medical staff. We were able to share protocols with Jemma to help staff identify pain and discomfort when we were not there, to describe typical communication and what it might mean.

This role should be more widely available in all hospitals and more care providers should know about the vital work that the LD Liaison nurses do.