Learning Disability Nursing Day | Raising the profile of learning disability nursing

Dr Stacey Rees, Course Leader for Learning Disability Nursing, at the University of South Wales (USW), is working hard to promote and advancing the field of Learning Disability Nursing, through research, collaboration, and advocacy.

A key focus of Dr Rees’ work has been addressing the lack of recognition in learning disability nursing, particularly highlighted dbracuring the COVID-19 pandemic. Emeritus Professor Ruth Northway invited Dr Rees to join an international research collaboration focused on the impact of the pandemic on learning disability nursing, which has brought experts together from 11 countries.

“Throughout the pandemic, the media focused on healthcare heroes, but the contribution of learning disability nurses was often overlooked,” she said.

“They were very much on the front-line too, having to make huge changes within their roles. The Global Intellectual Disability Nursing Research Collaboratory
was originally set up to capture these nurses’ experiences in the pandemic. Since then, the network has published multiple research papers highlighting the critical work learning disability nurses perform, with the aim of improving the understanding, research, policy, clinical care, and support provided to people with a learning disability.”

Dr Rees is also passionate about actively involving people with learning disabilities in shaping research priorities, participating in teaching and interviewing nursing students. She leads the Teaching Research Advisory Committee (TRAC), a long-standing group of adults with learning disabilities who meet regularly at USW.

“TRAC members provide invaluable insights into what matters most for individuals with learning disabilities, ensuring that our research is relevant and impactful,” she said. USW students have the opportunity to work closely with TRAC members, gaining a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of those they will support in their future careers.”

Dr Rees’ contributions extend beyond research. She recently secured Taith funding to travel to the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth, USA. She plans to establish a partnership with the university and create a virtual community of practice, allowing nursing students in Wales and in the USA, to explore health inequities and share best practices. She said: “In America, they don’t have specialist learning disability nurses as we have here. General nurses care for individuals with learning disabilities which presents unique challenges. This collaboration will enable students to learn from each other and explore global healthcare solutions.”

In addition to international work, Dr Rees has been instrumental in promoting learning disability nursing locally. “There was a national decline in applications to learning disability nursing, which led to workforce shortages,” she said.

“I applied for funding to employ two students as outreach workers. Two of our student ambassadors, Aimee and Claire, went out to schools and colleges to raise awareness of our field of healthcare. They did an amazing job. Their efforts have not only helped to raise the profile of learning disability nursing but also increased application numbers, not just at USW, but at other universities too. I am proud to say that Aimee and Claire have been recognised for their outstanding work earning them a place at the Royal College of Nursing Wales awards in Cardiff.”

Looking ahead, Dr Rees remains committed to expanding her work, both through continued research and by encouraging the next generation of learning disability nurses. Her goal is to increase international collaboration, with hopes to involve more universities, and amplify the voices of individuals with learning disabilities.

“Everything that we do is so that people with learning disabilities receive the care they deserve,” she said.