Tracey Link
Community Nurse
General Practice Nurse Ambassador
Learning Disability Team
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Primary Care Training Hub
The Journey
I started on the CARE programme in January 2021. As a General Practice Nurse and GPN ambassador, I recognised gaps in my knowledge in working with people with learning disabilities. The lack of training for Learning Disability Annual Health Checks in Primary Care further limited the development of staff skills and knowledge.
The CARE programme enabled me to network with other health professionals and access areas of expertise, which led to the joint development of a training package for Annual Health Checks and Best Practice with the Quality Improvement Nurse for the CCG. This collaboration equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to better support my patients and enhanced my professional growth.
“CARE unlocked opportunities for my personal and career development”
Since attending the programme, I have moved to the Community Learning Disability Nursing Team, and have become the GPN Ambassador, Lead Learning Disability Nurse for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Primary care Training Hub. I have provided resources, developed and delivered educational sessions and offered support to Primary Care colleagues, to increase knowledge, skills and focus on reducing the challenges that people with learning disabilities experience. I have improved care standards by challenging practices, raising awareness of reasonable adjustments for LD patients, enhancing the quality of health checks, encouraging collaborative work and educating professionals and carers. I continue to focus on reducing health inequalities and supporting my colleagues as a Lead Learning Disability Nurse, driving significant improvements in my area of expertise.
“The CARE programme empowered me to develop knowledge, skills and face challenges I previously would not have done.”
The Impact
- Increased confidence
- Improved collaborative working across health systems and teams
- Nationally networking with professionals
- Providing access to education and recourses for primary care colleagues
- Greater job satisfaction