In 2012 a national working party consisting of experts in the care of patients with learning disabilities and the management of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) was convened to develop guidelines to assist with the identification of at-risk patients. The aim was to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in this patient population. The guidelines were also designed to improve the protection of such patients by ensuring that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner. This article provides an overview of the guidelines (Wright et al, 2012) for the community nurse.
David Wright, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Tom Howseman, GP and Clinical Director of LD Commissioning, Nene and Corby CCG, St Luke’s Primary Care Centre, Northampton
Dee Davies and Ruth Northway highlight the health needs of people with disabilities and examine how primary care and community nurses can work together to offer effective health care to this client group
Dee Davies MSc, RNLD, Dip CHS is a Senior Lecturer and Ruth Northway PhD, MSc(Econ), RNLD, ENB 805, CertEd(FE) is a Senior Lecturer. Both work at the School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd CF37 1DL.
Article accepted for publication October 2000.
Sue Thomas reviews why falls occur and describes the promotion of fall prevention in the community.
Sue Thomas RN, RM, CPT, DN, BA(Hons) Health Visiting is a Community Health Advisor, Royal College of Nursing, London.
Article accepted for publication July 2001.
In her second article on preventing hip fracture, Carol Jones looks at compliance in residential care. Carol Jones SRN, SCM, HV, Health Ed Cert is Osteoporosis Prevention Officer, Dorset. Article accepted for publication: February 2004
Jaqui Hewitt-Taylor discusses the need for the provision of specific education and training for non-registered nurse care staff looking after children with complex needs.
Dr Jaqui Hewitt-Taylor PhD, BA (Hons), RGN, RSCN is Practice Development Fellow, Institute of Health & Community Studies, Bournemouth University.Article accepted for publication: January 2005
Antoinette Whitrick writes about how a secondment opportunity from District Nursing developed into a valued community service.
Antoinette Whitrick. BSc(Hons). RGN. Dip DN. PG.Cert in Health and Social Care Management - is Specialist Nurse Physical Disabilities for the East Riding of Yorkshire Primary Trust
Article accepted for publication: March 2007
