The Learning Disability Forensic Service has received a well-deserved Big Shout Out for their innovative approach to delivering specialised, equitable care. This small yet highly skilled team is dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities who have offended, ensuring they receive expert, multi-disciplinary care across nursing, psychology, psychiatry, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
Despite their size, the team has a significant impact across Lanarkshire, ensuring equitable care while enhancing public safety. Their support includes the Risk Consultation Group, which provides multi-disciplinary risk management advice, and the Clinical Risk Management Team, trained in advanced risk assessments to create effective strategies for managing and reducing risks.
The team also operates a learning disability court liaison service, delivering tailored interventions, including CBT treatments and the Good Lives Programme, which teaches offenders positive lifestyle choices and coping mechanisms. One of their most notable initiatives is the Online Safety Programme, designed to be accessible for people with learning disabilities. This programme helps patients navigate online spaces safely and has received national recognition for extending its reach digitally, allowing more people to benefit and enabling the team to make the most of their limited resources.
During the pandemic, the team’s ability to deliver services online proved invaluable, demonstrating a new digital approach that continues to meet patients’ health needs while enhancing the team’s performance and efficiency.
Keith Whitehead, Forensic Nurse Practitioner, shares his perspective on the team’s commitment: “Our work is all about balancing specialised care with innovative strategies that truly support our patients and promote public safety. By adapting our approaches to meet complex needs, we’re able to make a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and our community.”
Congratulations to the Learning Disability Forensic Service for their dedication to innovation, quality care, and public safety. Their work exemplifies commitment and creativity in serving some of our most vulnerable individuals.
