Lack of learning-disability nurses in UK is an ‘absolute crisis’, says union
Summary
The number of specialist learning-disability nurses in the UK has dropped by about one third since 2009, leading to poor care for many adults with learning disabilities. A nursing union report warns this shortage is a crisis, worsened by less interest in nursing students studying this field.Key Facts
- The number of learning-disability nurses in the NHS fell from 7,083 in 2009 to 4,768 in 2026.
- About 1.5 million people with learning disabilities may not get fair access to health and care services.
- Only 490 students chose to study learning-disability nursing recently, a 40% drop in ten years.
- Specialist nurses say they feel undervalued and lack the resources to properly care for patients.
- People with learning disabilities live about 20 years less than others on average.
- Those from ethnic minorities and poorer areas have even worse health and less access to care.
- The nursing union calls for government action to recognize and support learning-disability nursing fully.
- A charity leader said more investment is needed to help people with learning disabilities get proper healthcare support.
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