Learning Disability Nurses Unite to Shape the Future of the Profession 

Michael Fullerton, our Director of Wellbeing, Strategy and Collaboration, and a Registered Learning Disability Nurse, hosted a poster presentation at a recent Royal College of Nursing event in London, outlining our structured, nurse-led approach to supporting adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). 

This model of support has already gained national recognition, contributing to Achieve together winning the first-ever Nursing Times Awards ‘Nursing in Social Care’ Award in 2021. More importantly, it continues to shape excellent, specialist support for people living in supported living and residential homes across England. 

Michael talks about the challenges facing the Learning Disability Nursing Profession and what must be done to promote it, so that more people can benefit from this level of support: 

“Despite significant concerns about workforce numbers, the future direction of the profession, and the decline in universities offering learning disability nursing as a branch option, the atmosphere throughout the day was vibrant, collaborative and solutions focused. 

“A clear theme emerged: we all share responsibility for raising the profile of learning disability nursing and championing the positive, life-changing impact Registered Learning Disability Nurses have on people with learning disabilities, their families and wider professional networks. 

“Learning disability nurses predominantly work where people live and spend their time – in their communities. As the NHS 10 Year Plan continues to drive care from hospital to community settings, RNLDs are already uniquely positioned to deliver on this ambition. 

“While the economic impact of learning disability nursing is not yet widely quantified, the benefits are clear: 

• Reduced hospital admissions 

• Shorter hospital stays 

• Improved health planning and preventative care 

• Reduced health inequalities and discrimination 

“The day also featured honest and challenging discussions about professional identity, including debate around the title ‘learning disability nurse’. It is a complex issue, with strong opinions and no easy answers. 

“However, one thing is certain: time is not on the profession’s side. There is an urgent need for clarity, direction and decisive action from national bodies, including the RCN. 

“With a strong foundation and meaningful investment, learning disability nursing can continue to evolve, ensuring the national population of people with learning disabilities not only receive high-quality care, but truly thrive in their communities. 

“Achieve together remains committed to championing the profession and demonstrating the difference nurse-led social care makes every day.”