Evaluation of a learning disability liaison nurse service

Learning disability liaison nurses can ensure that people with learning disabilities receive high-quality care in hospital. This article reports the findings from an evaluation of a learning disability liaison nurse service. Over a five-year period 750 referrals were received. Of these, 387 (52%) were women and the mean age of those referred was 46 years. People with severe/profound learning disabilities tended to be younger when referred. Most referrals were to the medical department and the mean length of stay for those admitted was 8.6 days. The main source of referral has changed over time with hospital staff being the main source of referrals for the past three years. Around 95% of people referred were recorded as having a successful completion of their care episode. This evaluation contributes to the evidence base for these specialist roles. It provides a longer-term view of patterns of referral and the characteristics of people with learning disabilities who have been supported by the liaison nurse.