New learning disability nursing network launched by QICN

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) has launched a new network for nurses with an interest in working with and supporting individuals with a learning disability.

The Community Learning Disability Nursing Network, launched this week, aims to bring together all nurses, health professionals and other professionals to connect, share best practice, and influence workforce development.

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It will form part of the Community Learning Disability Nursing Faculty, which was launched in October last year as part of QICN’s series of new faculties to provide ‘professional homes’ for different branches of nursing.

The new network will be led by QICN’s assistant director of nursing programmes Dr Agnes Fanning, and supported by QICN’s network and events coordinator Timothy Jeyamani.

Dr Fanning said: ‘Community learning disability nurses play a crucial role in supporting people where they live and work.

‘This network ensures ongoing support, collaboration, and influence for our members across the UK.’

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Through the network, members will have access to quarterly meetings and newsletters, presentations from guest speakers, and CPD opportunities contributing to NMC validation.

Chief executive of QICN Steph Lawrence said: ‘At the QICN, we are committed to ensuring that community nurses in every field feel supported, valued, and empowered to lead change.

‘The launch of the Community Learning Disability Nursing Network reflects our dedication to raising the profile of this essential workforce and ensuring they have access to the resources, connections and professional development opportunities they need to deliver high-quality care.’

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The inaugural meeting will take place on 22 June and the theme is ‘Looking to the future for community learning disability nursing’.

This is the most recent network launched to support an existing faculty by QICN. Others include those for community mental health nursing, district nursing, community children’s nurses, general practice nurses, and adult social care nursing. It expected that nine will be launched in total.