Western Trust celebrates National Registered Nurses Learning Disability (RNLD) Day

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) has marked National Registered Nurses Learning Disability (RNLD) Day today, Monday, November 3.

National RNLD day is recognised as a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the vital role of Registered Nurses Learning Disability (RNLD).

This day shines the light on the dedication, compassion and specialist expertise these nurses bring to supporting people with a learning disabilities, ensuring they receive the care, respect and opportunities they totally deserve.

It is also a moment for RNLDs to reflect on their individual practice and share best practice among all health and social care settings.

By acknowledging the work of RNLDs and advocating for stronger support, we help to build a more inclusive system that champions, dignity, independence and quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities.

So today and every day we thank RNLDs for their commitment and recognise the difference they make in lives of people with learning disabilities in creating a person- centred healthcare system, with equity for all.

To help celebrate this momentous day there will be a number of events taken place among the RNLDS working within the Western Trust to raise awareness of the individual needs of people with learning disabilities and the impact of the RNLD role.

Louise O’Kane, Health Facilitator and Registered Nurse Learning disability at the Western Trust explains: “I have been an RNLD for 16 years and I currently work as a health facilitator. I work alongside GPs to complete annual health checks for adults with a learning disability to identify and follow up on any unmet healthcare needs in terms of diagnosis and treatments. I promote health and wellbeing through the use of easy read information and health promotion classes. I also link in with other services to provide reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access to care for adults with a learning disability.”

The Consultant nurses for Learning Disability from the WHSCT, SEHSCT and SHSCT will also be presenting on a national online platform organised by the UK learning disability consultant nurse forum to celebrate the strategic direction of RNLDs in Northern Ireland.