Role of liaison nurses in improving communication
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Role of liaison nurses in improving communication

Amy Castles Acute learning disability liaison nurse, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Hampshire
Carol Anne Bailey Divisional senior nurse, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton
Bob Gates Academic and professional lead for learning disabilities, Centre for Learning Disability Studies, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, St Albans, University of West London, Brentford
Roja Sooben Senior lecturer and research lead, Centre for Learning Disability Studies, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Amy Castles and colleagues present the results of an evaluation of client, carer and ward staff opinion of the work of a learning disability liaison nurse in an acute hospital

This article describes a survey of the views of clients, carers and hospital staff about the learning disability liaison nurse role in an acute hospital in the south of England. The survey found that the service benefits people with learning disabilities, particularly during admission, as well as their families and carers. Good communication is vital for effective health provision, however, and if communication barriers associated with learning disability are not overcome, clients can receive poor care. The positive evaluation of the liaison nurse role discussed in this article confirms the need for their presence in acute hospital and similar settings to improve communication and collaboration between clients, families, carers, doctors and ward staff.

Learning Disability Practice. 15, 9, 16-19. doi: 10.7748/ldp2012.11.15.9.16.c9379

Correspondence

amy.castles@solent.nhs.net

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Conflict of interest

None declared

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