Overall aim of the service
To provide a specialist service working with families to promote health, competence, choice and quality of life for children and young people with severe and/or profound learning disabilities, to address areas of need and effect positive change.
Philosophy
A supportive family centred, problem solving approach is adopted, where children, young people and parents are partners and decision-makers.
Role
Specialist Community Learning Disability Nurses visit children and their families at home or in school to assess, plan, advise or implement programmes of care, or strategies for effecting positive change and to offer support and monitor throughout the process. Emphasis is often on behavioural aspects.
Client group
A specialist service is offered to school age children and young people with severe or profound learning disabilities and their families where there is an additional health need. These children may also have other conditions, e.g. Epilepsy, Autism, ADHD.
Referrals
Appropriate referrals are accepted from GPs, other Health, Education or Social Care professionals, carers/parents and self-referrals. Adequate information is required about the child and reason for referral, along with information that may reduce risks to the safety of nursing staff working alone. A referral form is available on request.
Main areas of the Community Nurses role
- General support to children and families through periods of developmental change or particular difficulty.
- Assessment and management of behaviour, continence, sleep, medications, specific conditions e.g. Epilepsy, Autism, ADHD.
- Monitoring of programmes, medication and health.
- Improving understanding of specific conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy etc.
- Promoting social, communication and self-help skills.
- Health promotion and self-protection/sex education.
- Ensuring appropriate referral for diagnostic assessment and/or treatment.
- Teaching/advising other professionals and carers in primary care and acute settings, the voluntary sector and carers and parents.
- Organising information days for parents and parents’ groups.
- To engage others in improving the hospital experience for children with learning disabilities.
- Facilitating groups for children and young people with learning disabilities and their parents.
This service liaises with Paediatricians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and other health, education and social care professionals as necessary to provide a co-ordinated service.
Contact Details
Office base:
Children’s Community Services
St Francis School
Wickenby Crescent
Lincoln LN1 3TJ
Telephone: 01522 309678 (direct line)
Email: [email protected]
Summary of Service
Availability:
The Community Nurses for Children with Learning Disabilities is a part-time service and the nurses are available at various times during the week.
Messages can be left with the office 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday