The Role of Learning Disability Nurses in Specialist Learning Disability In-Patient Settings in England.

- Where RNLDs are in place and known about in specialist inpatient settings, they are invaluable to people with a learning disability, their families, and supporters.

- RNLDs within specialist in-patient settings require many of the same skills as RNLDs more generally with an added focus upon the complex emotional support people require and the transitional nature of the service offered. They provide both reactive and crisis support to individuals who are often acutely unwell and presenting with an array of challenging needs. This holistic support helps individuals and families navigate an often challenging experience to ensure they receive the treatment needed and timely discharge.

- However, the profession in this setting is facing many of the same challenges that learning disability nursing in general faces, which appear to be exacerbated by the seemingly negative perceptions the general public have of specialist in-patient settings and those that work in them.

- Participants suggest improving the perception of specialist in-patient settings, alongside a review of the resources and systems available, to help raise the profile of the role and increase the numbers choosing it as a career option.

- There needs to be a focused and sensitively managed approach to improving the perception of specialist in-patient settings for people with a learning disability undertaken more broadly in society.

- The career pathway available to RNLDs in specialist in-patient settings must be reviewed to ensure that it is equal to the progression of RNLDs in other settings.

- There needs to be a focus among all those working in specialist in-patient settings in England, not just learning disability nursing, on shifting the narrative surrounding the work done and the need for its presence.

- Research needs to be done to explore how specialist in-patient services manage systems and allocate resources to understand how these could potentially be used differently.

- All AHPs should receive mandatory learning disability training that not only covers working with people with a learning disability, but also informs participants of the work learning disability nurses do and how they can work with them to support people with a learning disability through their health and social care journey.