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A SHORTAGE of specialist learning disability nurses could be putting lives at risk, a report published today warns.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found that the number of learning disability nurses in England has risen by just 22 in the last three years, having hit a record low of 3,192 in 2018.
Its report warns that there is a staffing crisis in all nursing roles which could affect patients’ safety.
Learning disability nursing represents a significantly at-risk section of the nursing workforce, the report adds.
The authors warned that ignoring the role of learning disability nurses is “discrimination by proxy.”
RCN learning disability nursing lead Jonathan Beebee, one of the report’s authors, said: “It’s scandalous that in this day and age people with learning disabilities are still dying on average 25 years sooner than the general population. Specialist care can transform their lives.
“Investment is much needed to encourage people to train as a nurse and take the career path into learning disability nursing.”
