Learning Disability Service - who, why and how?

Definition of a Learning Disability
A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with; a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning), which; started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.

It is NOT

• Problems with reading, writing or numeracy only
• Emotional difficulties that may have sufficiently disrupted schooling; influencing achievement
• Conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AHDH) or Hyperactive disorder
• Aspergers Syndrome and some individuals with Autism
• A brain injury sustained post 16 years of age

These are all classified as having a Learning Difficulty – please note that you can have a learning difficulty as well as a disability, but having a learning difficulty does not mean that you have a learning disability.
                

Healthcare for all
A report that highlighted that people with a Learning Disability had;

• Poor access to assessment and treatment for general health problems
• Insufficient attention to making REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS
• Parents/carers often find their opinion ignored
• Healthcare staff have limited knowledge about Learning Disabilities
• Partnership working for adults is poor
• Some good practice, but too many examples of abuse/discrimination/neglect

Key Points
See the person, not the disability
Find time to; listen to the person and to the family/carers
Find the best way to communicate;
Always talk to the person, not over them.
Pay attention to facial expressions, notice gestures and body language, try pointing to pictures or signing
Keep information simple and brief, avoid using jargon.
Don’t make assumptions about the persons quality of life
People with a Learning disability can get ill and feel pain too.
Be suspicious about possibility of pain or serious illness and act quickly!
Get to know some of the health conditions that are more common for people with a Learning Disability.

Make use of the Learning Disability Liaison Nurses - they are there to offer advice, support and education.

Contact details are
Kate Bamforth
(4)31566
Page 85436
Email katebamforth@nhs.net

Lesley Smith
(4)31567
Page 85437
Email lesley.smith11@nhs.net

Further information can also be obtained by:
Reading the information held on Q drive under Learning Disabilities
Accessing reliable websites, eg Mencap; RCN,

Or by looking at the following reports/legislation
Learning Disability Quarterly Update
Mencap - 74 Deaths and Counting
RCN - Meeting the Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities
Six Lives Report
Death by Indifference
Healthcare for All
Valuing People
The Mental Capacity Act

If you are employed by the hospital and have not received any training please contact us for advice, Kate and Lesley.

 Aspergers - A Patient's Perspective
Read one patient's account of coming to hospital

Learning disabilities and dementia
Advances in medical and social care have led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of people with learning disabilities. The effect of ageing on people with learning disabilities − including the increased risk of developing dementia − has become an increasingly important issue, for further information and advice please click on the following link.
http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=103 

Learning Disability training opportunities
Courses are run regularly by the Community Learning Disability Team, details of which can be found below. The Learning Disability Liaison nurses at Derriford, Kate and Lesley, are also happy to provide/organise training tailored to your needs, or those of your department, ranging from general awareness  to specific area sessions, individually or with groups/teams. You can even arrange to spend some time with us to gain some inside knowledge and experience. To discuss options please contact us on 31566/31567, page 85436/85437 or email katebamforth@nhs.net or lesley.smith11@nhs.net. 

1. Learning disability specialist training courses October to December 2011
2. Booking application form for courses

 

The Hospital Communication Book is a useful tool for use with anyone who has difficulties with communication (either permanently or temporarily) for example patients who are hearing impaired, patients who suffer from dementia, patients whose first language is not English,to name but a few -  each ward is in possession of a copy or it can be downloaded using the links below.

The Hospital Communication Book:  

1. Download section 1
2. Download section 2

 

Useful Information

1. A guide to communicating with people with profound and multiple learning difficulties 
2. Learning from the past - Setting out for the Future
   The Royal College of Nursing statement on the role of the Learning Disability Nurse
3. Plymouth Hospitals' Learning Disability Service Action Plan
4. Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Learning Disability Peer Review
5. Definition of a learning disability
6. Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) Overview
7. How to support people with Autism
8. Guidance for people who commission Easy Read
9. Link Nurses
10. Roles and Responsibilities of the Link Nurse
11. Job description for Liaison Nurse