News

The Quality Network for Learning Disability (QNLD) accreditation programme was launched this year. It is led by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It aims to support learning disability services across the country. It looks to assess and improve the management processes and standards of care.

There are a number of parts which need to be met to achieve the status. This includes 130 standards set by the programme.

The awarding of this has been a team effort. It includes those working in transition, liaison, social care, mental health services, commissioning, and research. All have played a vital role in the success of the service.

The Trust received the good news last month. A statement from the Royal College of Psychiatrists says:

“Cornwall community team are the first community team to be given this status.

“We would like to congratulate you, and thank you for taking part in the programme. We know you and the team worked really hard to put together all of the evidence and make the committees requested changes.”

Professor Rohit Shankar MBE is clinical director of adult learning disability services for the Trust.

“We in the service are humbled by this achievement.

“It is a reflection of the trust our patients, their families and other collaborators put on us.

“It shows the passion our service clinicians and non-clinicians have to make a difference to a vulnerable cohort.

“It shows the role, research, high-quality evidence and involving patients and their families plays in developing and delivering services.

“It is important not only to sustain this but recognise that there is still room to improve and achieve more for our patients and community.”

The team have also met 90% of the College Centre for Quality Improvement sustainability standards. For this, they have received a sustainable mental health service commendation.

The service works cross-county with an east and west team. They are based in Bodmin and Redruth, supported by a county-wide Intensive Support Team based in Truro.