More than 1m complete first part of learning disability training
Training named after teenager Oliver McGowan, who died after being given unsuitable antipsychotic medication, will improve support for people with a learning disability and/or autism
Nurses are among more than one million health and care staff to have completed the first part of training designed to improve their support for people with a learning disability and/or autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism was launched last November as part of efforts to enhance the skills, knowledge and understanding of nurses and other professionals.
More than one million have now completed the 90-minute e-learning module that makes up the first part of the training.
Oliver’s mother campaigned for the training
The milestone was reached ahead of the seventh anniversary of the death of autistic teenager Oliver McGowan who died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication despite warnings they were unsuitable for him.
His mother Paula McGowan successfully campaigned to make training on caring for people with a learning disability and/or autism mandatory for all health and care staff.
Training divided into two tiers
The training programme, which was developed in collaboration with people with learning disabilities and/or autism, their families and carers, is divided into two tiers.
Tier 1 is designed for staff who require general awareness of the support that people with a learning disability and/or autism may need, while Tier 2 is for those who may need to provide direct care and make more complex care decisions.
Both tiers start with the e-learning package, which is followed by a one-hour interactive online session for those undertaking Tier 1, or a one-day face-to-face training session for those completing Tier 2.
The interactive online and face-to-face sessions are currently being rolled out across England.
Completion of first part is ‘a significant milestone’
Ms McGowan said she was pleased so many people had completed the first part of the training.
‘It is a significant milestone, meaning that our learning disability and autism communities will have much better experiences living in society and accessing health and care,’ she said.
‘I know that if Oliver was here, he would be incredibly proud.’
Training should be part of ‘ongoing culture change’
Chief workforce, training and education officer at NHS England Navina Evans said it was a fantastic achievement but just the first step in efforts to address inequalities.
‘The training is a vital element of an ongoing culture change to ensure our services are safe, accessible and adjusted to people’s needs,’ she added.
‘We are therefore urging employers across health and care to ensure staff get the training appropriate to their role – to make an impact now and for future generations.’
Results of consultation on training code of practice
A consultation on a draft code of practice to support the delivery of the training was launched in July this year and closed in mid-September.
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The Department of Health and Social Care is now analysing the results.
Learn more about the training
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
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