Learning disability nurses often lack the confidence to assess and refer people when they become acutely ill. Ian Wood and Judi Thorley outline a framework to improve their skills

This article offers a comprehensive assessment framework that can be used to build learning disability nurses’ confidence in assessing acute physical needs. The learning disability nurse can develop these skills, apply the framework and work in partnership with family and paid carers, and mainstream health professionals, to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive high standards of care and the same opportunities for good health as everyone in society.