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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what training in disability awareness is provided to staff by health trusts in the Province; [194529] (2) what training on learning disability staff receive from health trusts in the Province; and whether individuals with learning disabilities are involved in any aspect of such training. [194530] Angela Smith: All trusts provide induction training to staff covering disability awareness. In addition, mandatory, role specific and specialist training is provided to enable staff deliver the needs of user groups. Organisations such as the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and the Royal National Institute for the Blind are involved in the construction and delivery of training programmes. Staff can also avail of a wide range of other training opportunities provided by in-service training units and other education providers. I am satisfied that trusts are acutely aware of and are pro-active in recognising their obligations in providing appropriate training for staff who care for users with learning and other disabilities. Where possible, trusts involve disabled people in identifying and delivering appropriate staff training.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c336W;426 c336-7W; 194529;194530

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Disability Health services Learning disability Northern Ireland NHS trusts Staff Training

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk