NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE COMBINED HEALTHCARE
                NHS TRUST

LEARNING DISABILITIES DIRECTORATE

PART-TIME/FULL-TIME SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY – 12 MONTHS

JOB PROFILE

TITLE:				Acute Liaison Nurse for Adults with a Learning Disability.

GRADE:			G Grade

QUALIFICATIONS:	RNLD – Minimum 3 years post registration experience - Essential
				Diploma / Degree – Essential
				ENB 997/998 or D32/D33 (or equivalent)  -Essential
	
REPORTS TO:			Clinical Effectiveness / Management Group

RESPONSIBLE TO:		Senior Nurse (Modern Matron) / General Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder's key role is to facilitate open and easy access to the various departments in the Local Acute Services for people with Learning Disabilities.

The role involves close collaborative working with Multi Disciplinary colleagues in the Acute Trust including raising their awareness, identifying and meeting their training needs and the provision of specialist nursing advice.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1	Client Care 

1.1	Active promotion of liaison nurse role within the Acute Trust ensuring information is accessible to people with a Learning Disability and their carers.

1.2	To facilitate and promote people with learning disabilities understanding of their own healthcare needs.

1.3	To identify barriers to accessing Acute Health Care services for people with a Learning Disability and plan action and initiatives to overcome and facilitate easy access.

1.4	In complex cases directly assist and support individuals to access Acute Health Care Services (large or ongoing caseload not expected) and where relevant, document assessment outcomes and care plans to meet identified needs.

1.5	Provide health promotion/raising awareness workshops and educational sessions to groups and individuals.

1.6	Ensure that healthcare advice, support and information to clients and their carers is provided in accordance with their identified needs.

1.7	Promote and facilitate the use of client held “personal health records” when clients access Acute healthcare services.

1.8	Work closely with the multi disciplinary team to facilitate health-screening checks for people with learning disability in line with Health of the Nation targets.

1.9	Develop close links with Primary Healthcare Services/Secondary care to facilitate access for planned treatment, effective care planning and comprehensive discharge / aftercare for patients with a learning disability.

1.10	To identify and action plan to meet the additional needs of people with a learning disability who come from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

2.	Professional

2.1	Participate in regular clinical supervision sessions in order to receive professional support and time to reflect upon practice.

2.2	Ensure that full and complete nursing records are maintained in accordance with the UKCC’s Standard for records and record keeping.

2.3	Ensure knowledge and actions are in accordance with UKCC codes of conduct and practice.

2.4	Ensure client and personnel confidentiality at all times and store all confidential information securely in line with Data Protection Legislation.

2.5	Act in accordance with appropriate Trust Policies and Guidelines.

2.6	Take responsibility for highlighting and planning professional development and update.

2.7	Ensure that good relationships are maintained with the Acute Trust and representatives of other agencies and user groups.

3.	Managerial

3.1	Take responsibility for the effective and economic management of resources allocated to the post / service.

3.2	Take responsibility for the supervision of any student nurses allocated to the Service on placement.

3.3	Advise line Manager and complete appropriate documentation in the event of any untoward occurrences.

3.4	Carry out environmental assessment of Acute Health Services to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination act for people with a learning disability.

4.	Quality / Clinical Governance

4.1	Develop initiate and carry out various forms of audit and quality monitoring mechanisms including client and carer satisfaction audits.

4.2	Partake in individual personal reviews on a quarterly basis.

4.3	Promptly report all complaints and partake in investigatory procedures as required.

4.4	Provide a quarterly quality and outcomes report to the Clinical Effectiveness Meeting Group.

4.5	Develop local and regional support links and networks to ensure sharing of best practice audit and research findings i.e. regional, MATH (Midlands Access to Health Group).

4.6	Develop and implement a research proposal to evaluate the effectiveness and health gain outcomes of providing Acute Sector Liaison Nurses for people with Learning Disabilities.

5.	Teaching and Training

5.1	Identify the training needs of Acute Sector professionals and support staff / including administration support staff in respect of the needs of people with a Learning Disability.

5.2	Plan and provide training and support sessions to meet highlighted needs.

5.3	Ensure Acute Sector staff have access to information and contacts (in adherence to Data Protection Regulations) which may assist them if collaborative working is required.

5.4	Provide learning opportunities theoretical and practical instruction for student nurses, assessing learning outcomes and monitoring progress throughout placement.

5.5	Provide teaching and education to relatives / carers / social care staff in respect of supporting clients with health promotion and ensuring proactive use and access to Acute Health Care services.

6.	Health and Safety and Legislation

6.1	Ensure adherence to stability health and safety requirements:-

-	Health and Safety at Work Act
-	COSHH Regulations
-	Trust policies including manual handling

6.2	Adhere to other statutory requirements:-

-	Equal Opportunities Act
-	Race Relations Act
-	Data Protection Act
-	Disability Discrimination Act

This Job Profile is a summary of the main responsibilities and not an exhaustive list of duties.  It will be reviewed on a regular basis.