Learning disability nurse shortage: how it’s affecting inpatients

Lack of specialist staff is leaving people with learning disabilities being cared for on mental health wards that are ill-equipped to meet their needs

• At least 2,010 people with learning disabilities and/or autism in mental health facilities in England despite moves to reduce that number
• Shortage of specialist learning disability nurses in inpatient settings is having a hugely negative effect on their care
• Initiatives to train generalist staff are improving care but there is no substitute for support from learning disability specialists

The shortage of learning disability nurses is well known.