The Nursing team at St John’s is committed to delivering a high standard of care for our learners using a holistic approach.

The School & College sites each have a team of three registered nurses consisting of general,paediatric and learning disability trained.  They have a wealth of experience and knowledge of working with learners with learning disabilities, mental health issues, epilepsy, diabetes and behavioural problems.

The nurses are responsible for monitoring the health of learners in both the education and care settings. This includes the safe administration of medication, health care plans, annual health assessments and promoting self care where appropriate.

The College Medical Officer, and School Doctor, based at local surgeries, work with the nurses to provide appropriate treatment and support for our residential learners.  Links are also made with parents/carers and external agencies to ensure consistent continuity of care.

To promote independent living skills, learners at the college are supported to access local community health services such as G.P, dentist, sexual health services and local outpatient appointments.

The nurses work in collaboration with the therapy, education and care teams to develop a consistent approach that enables our learners to develop and gain understanding of healthy living skills.  Health promotion forms an important part in the overall education of our learners and the nurses play a key role in this.  In addition Community nurses are invited to visit the College to deliver health awareness sessions on issues including smoking cessation, recreational drugs and healthy living.

Nursing staff facilitate a variety of groups including healthy living, first aid and men’s health.  Health Clinics have been set up in each faculty of the college, where learners have access to one to one contact and support with a nurse. The health centres have an open door approach to encourage learners to access our service and develop a positive relationship with the nursing team.

To ensure high quality care and to provide a safe environment for our learners the nursing team deliver regular training to education and care staff.  Training includes how to administer regular and emergency medication, epilepsy first aid, and use of an epi- pen for anaphylactic shock.

St. John’s is committed to meeting the health needs of all our learners and supports the nursing team to develop and advance their knowledge and skills.