Learning disability nurses doing a 'smashing' job of keeping people safe from Covid

Marie and Charlotte from Pennine Care

Learning disability teams from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust are making sure local people with learning disabilities are vaccinated and safe from covid.

Charlotte Platt and Marie Roberts, two learning disability nurses in Oldham, recently visited Anne, who lives in a MioCare Group supported living home.

Anne decided to conquer her fear of needles after staff from the home explained more about covid and the vaccine.

They got in touch with Oldham learning disability team, and Charlotte and Marie came to give the vaccine doses and keep Anne safe.

Afterwards Anne said: “All finished now… smashing!”

Marie Roberts said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be able to give Anne and other people their covid vaccine where they feel the safest and most relaxed, in their own homes.

We’ve been able to vaccinate a lot of people with learning disabilities who ordinarily wouldn’t have had it.

“If you have a learning disability and need a covid vaccine, or know someone that does, please contact us and we can support.”

Natalie Brophy, MioCare Group senior support worker, was with Anne as she had her second jab and said: “I’ve seen first-hand what a fantastic relationship Anne has with our staff team. She’s extremely independent. Anne knows what she wants and what she doesn’t and, as the team will tell you, she’s not afraid to make it known!

"All the staff are so very fond of her. Anne herself is proud to have conquered her fear of needles and we’re delighted too, knowing that she’s as safe as she can be.”

Kay, MioCare Group support worker, added: “I’ve worked with Anne for ten years on and off. I’m really happy that she feels so confident with the support and people she has around her. It’s brilliant that she’s now been fully vaccinated, and in the comfort of her own home thanks to the community nurses that were able to visit. Thank you Marie and Charlotte.”

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