Disability Support for Clinical Placement

Martin Simons.

Practice Placement Manager/Senior Charge Nurse

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

What is Disability?

• Disability Discrimination Act (1995/2005) U.K Law:

‘A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term effect on a persons’ ability to carry out normal day to day activities.’

Disability Discrimination Act.

• Reasonable Adjustment:

• A U.K. Employer has a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995/2005) to make 'reasonable adjustments' ensuring that staff are not put at a substantial disadvantage.

Disclosure of Disability.

• Often difficult:• Labelling.• Discrimination.• Humiliation.• Bullying.• Lack of awareness of

disability.

Background

• Pre registration nursing issues.

• Clinical Education Team issues.

• Referral process.

Group Membership.

• Clinicians.

• Educators.

• Other departments.

• Higher Education Institutions.

• Incorporating other Trusts.

Aim of Group.

• Advice and support.

• Encourage disclosure.

• Assess practicality of reasonable adjustments for clinical setting.

• Follow up support.

• An evolving group.

Case Study 1

• Student Nurse Angela.

• History of depression.

• Self harmer

• 1st placement following long intermission from course.

• Shy, nervous, fragile.

• Medication.

Case Study 2

• Staff Nurse Karen.

• Injured by patient when on duty.

• Lost full use of left thumb.

• Taken off clinical duties.

• Auditing and Administration.

• Wanted to nurse!

• Frustrated!!!

Case Study 3

• Student Nurse Donna.

• Poor documentation.

• Issues with managing time and priorities.

• Difficulty reading black type on white paper.

Recent Initiatives.

• Any member of staff needing dyslexia assessment will be funded by Trust.

• Trial taking place with software to support dyslexia.

• Addition of Registered Mental Health Nurse to Group.

• Looking at developing a ‘Disability Champion’ role in clinical areas.

• Involved in cases in other staff groups in the Trust.

In Conclusion – Who Benefits?

• Staff.

• Students

• Trust.

• Patients.

A Lesson Learned!

• Disclosure and effective communication is better for everyone concerned and saves potential embarrassment.

•Thanks for Listening.