Minister Calls For More Mental Health And Learning Disability Nurses

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has emphasised the urgent need for skilled mental health and learning disability nurses. Speaking at a career showcase event, the minister highlighted the critical role these professionals play in providing essential care and support to individuals with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.

The event, organised by the Department of Health, brought together careers teachers, students, Further Education (FE) teaching staff, and careers advisers to learn about the rewarding career paths available in mental health and learning disability nursing. Minister Nesbitt encouraged attendees to consider these professions and explore the opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.

As the demand for mental health and learning disability services continues to grow, the minister stressed the importance of attracting and retaining qualified nurses to meet the increasing needs. He called on young people to consider these fulfilling careers and contribute to building a stronger and more compassionate healthcare system.

Minister Nesbitt said: "One of my key areas of focus since I became Health Minister is addressing health inequalities.

"We must focus on those people within our communities who disproportionately experience the highest rates of ill health, that includes people with learning disabilities and people with mental illness.

"This means that the need for skilled mental health nurses and learning disability nurses has never been more important.

"Many of our young people are not aware of the rewarding career opportunities available in these fields." The event in the Long Gallery was directed primarily towards school careers teachers and FE teaching staff. It promoted learning disability nursing and mental health nursing pre-registration programmes in Northern Ireland, and provided useful information on application requirements, student experience, and career prospects for both fields.

Attendees heard from a range of speakers, including representatives from Queen's University, Ulster University and The Open University.

Frontline learning disability nurses and mental health nurses and students also shared their insights and experiences.

"For me, I have the best job in the world," said Claire Thompson, a learning disability nursing student at Queen's University.

"Every single day is different. We hear time and time again that we need to be somebody's voice, but actually, when you're a learning disability nurse, you get the opportunity to be their microphone and to champion that voice."

Samantha Irwin, a nurse in Antrim Community Mental Health Team, said: "Anyone who is thinking about mental health nursing, it is challenging, but it is very rewarding. You're working with people when they are at their most vulnerable and in need.

"The job definitely offers personal and professional fulfillment, and I would encourage anyone to consider a career in mental health nursing."

Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm said: "Mental health nursing and learning disability nursing are essential roles for both tackling the health inequalities in our society and responding to the changing health needs of our population.

"These are hugely fulfilling career paths, and for those who embark upon them, you can make a lasting and meaningful difference to so many people in our communities. The experiences we've heard today demonstrates that.

"I therefore strongly encourage any young person considering a career in nursing and healthcare to please look at the rewarding fields of mental health nursing and learning disability nursing."