Response to DHSC announcement on funding for learning disability and autism training for health and social care workers

Responding to the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) announcement on learning disability and autism training for all health and social care workers, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), said:

“These Government measures are welcome and the focus on training is vital.

“The NMC has been clear that much more needs to be done to ensure all health and care professionals have the right skills to make a positive difference for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

“It’s important that steps are taken to ensure this new training package is developed with and delivered by people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families. I look forward to the NMC, and others, contributing to this important work.

“At a time when there are far too many awful stories highlighting a fatal gap in knowledge when it comes to caring for people in the most vulnerable of circumstances, I hope today’s commitment guarantees long term action in making sure the needs of those living with a learning disability and/or autism are listened to, acted on and properly supported.”

End

1. The NMC responded to the consultation earlier this year - view the full response.
2. For media enquiries, please contact NMC press office on 020 7681 5415 or email media@nmc-uk.org. 
3. We are the independent regulator for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. We hold a register of all the 690,000 nurses, midwives and nursing associates who can practise in the UK. Better and safer care for people is at the heart of what we do, supporting the healthcare professionals on our register to deliver the highest standards of care. We make sure nurses, midwives and nursing associate have the skills they need to care for people safely, with integrity, expertise, respect and compassion, from the moment they step into their first job.

Other recent news…