Learning Disability and Autism Awareness Training Courses - The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism -

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is compulsory for health and social care staff.

Click here to access the Oliver McGowan mandatory training for learning disability and autism for health and social care workers.

What is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism?

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is a comprehensive training program developed to enhance understanding, awareness, and support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism within healthcare settings. It aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide person-centred care, ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities, and prevent incidents of inappropriate treatment.

Click here to book the full Oliver McGowan statutory and mandatory training for learning disabilities and autism.

Background to the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

This mandatory training program is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with learning disabilities and autism who tragically lost his life in 2016 due to the misuse of antipsychotic medication. Oliver's case highlighted the urgent need for improved training and education for healthcare professionals regarding the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

What are the aims of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism?

• Improve understanding and awareness of learning disabilities and autism.
• Promote person-centred care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• Enhance communication and accessibility within healthcare settings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies.

What are the objectives of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism?

• Provide comprehensive information on the characteristics and challenges of learning disabilities and autism.
• Promote effective communication techniques and alternative communication methods.
• Emphasize the importance of person-centred care and involving individuals in their healthcare decisions.
• Enhance knowledge of mental health issues and support strategies for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• Increase awareness of legal frameworks protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Learning Outcomes of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

• We have increased our knowledge and understanding of learning disabilities and autism.
• Improved communication skills with individuals who have learning disabilities and autism.
• Enhanced ability to provide person-centred care.
• Compliance with legislation and policies about individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Who is the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism training for?

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is primarily designed for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, support staff, and other relevant personnel caring for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. However, it benefits anyone working in healthcare settings or individuals interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills.

Why is the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism training important?

The training is crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing harm: By increasing awareness and understanding, the training aims to prevent inappropriate treatment and medication misuse that can have severe consequences for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• Promoting person-centred care: The training emphasizes the importance of involving individuals in their healthcare decisions, respecting their choices, and considering their unique needs and preferences. This approach leads to better health outcomes and improved overall well-being.
• Reducing health inequalities: Individuals with learning disabilities and autism often face disparities in accessing healthcare services and receiving appropriate care. The training helps healthcare professionals address these inequalities and ensure equitable and inclusive healthcare provision.

Legislation, regulations, and guidance related to the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism align with various legislation, regulations, and guidance, including:

• The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination and promotes equal rights for individuals with disabilities, including learning disabilities and autism.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a legal framework for decision-making on behalf of individuals who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions.
• The Care Act 2014: This legislation requires healthcare professionals to consider an individual's well-being, preferences, and needs when providing care and support.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines: NICE provides evidence-based guidance on various aspects of healthcare, including the care and support of individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

What are the consequences of not completing the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism?

The consequences of not completing the training may include:

• Lack of knowledge: Healthcare professionals may lack the necessary understanding and awareness of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and autism, leading to inadequate care and potentially harmful treatment.
• Breach of legal and ethical obligations: Failure to comply with legislation and policies safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities may result in legal and ethical consequences.
• Health disparities: Without the training, healthcare professionals may unintentionally perpetuate health inequalities and contribute to inadequate access to healthcare for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Evaluation of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

A robust evaluation process is essential to assess the effectiveness of the training program. Evaluation methods may include pre and post-training assessments, participant feedback surveys, and follow-up assessments to gauge the application of knowledge and skills in practice. Ongoing monitoring and review of the training's impact are crucial to identify areas for improvement and ensure the program's continued effectiveness.

Other information from the broader learning disability and autism literature
The wider learning disability and autism literature offer insights into best practices and emerging trends. Some key areas to explore include:

• Communication strategies and alternative communication methods.
• Support and interventions for mental health issues in individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• The impact of stigma and discrimination on the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
• Innovative approaches to person-centred care and inclusion.
• Recommendations for practice
• Based on the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism and wider literature, the following practice recommendations can be made:
• Incorporate the training into mandatory education for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
• Provide ongoing support and resources to reinforce and apply the knowledge gained from the training.
• Collaborate with advocacy groups and individuals with learning disabilities and autism to inform and shape the training program.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity and sensitivity within healthcare settings to promote the well-being and rights of individuals with disabilities.

Summary and key points to remember about the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is a comprehensive program designed to enhance understanding, awareness, and support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism in healthcare settings. It aims to promote person-centred care, improve communication, ensure compliance with relevant legislation, and prevent incidents of inappropriate treatment. The training is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide equitable and inclusive healthcare services and prevent harm to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

What are the key points to remember about Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism?

• The training is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with learning disabilities and autism whose case highlighted the need for improved training in healthcare settings.
• The training aims to increase understanding, promote person-centred care, enhance communication, and ensure compliance with legislation.
• It is primarily targeted at healthcare professionals but is beneficial for anyone working in healthcare or interested in learning about disabilities.
• The training helps prevent harm, promotes equitable care, and reduces health inequalities.
• Compliance with legislation and completion of the training is essential to ensure appropriate care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Health Education England (HEE) guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the statement from Health Education England regarding "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" has significant implications. Here's what it means:

• Requirement for Learning Disability and Autism Training: The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a legal requirement for regulated service providers to ensure that their staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their roles. This means that health and social care providers must comply with this requirement and provide the necessary training to their staff.
• Standardized Training: "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" is the standardized training program developed specifically to meet the learning disability and autism training requirement set forth by the Health and Care Act 2022. The government recognizes it as the preferred and recommended health and social care staff training.
• Safe, Compassionate, and Informed Care: The training program aims to equip the health and social care workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide safe, compassionate, and informed care to autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. By completing the training, staff members can enhance their ability to support these individuals effectively and prevent avoidable harm.
• Prevention of Avoidable Deaths: The training program seeks to prevent avoidable deaths like Oliver McGowan's from occurring in the future. Oliver's tragic death highlighted the urgent need for improved training and a better understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and autism. By implementing this training, health and social care, providers can contribute to preventing similar incidents and ensuring the well-being and safety of those they serve.

In summary, UK health and social care providers must ensure that their staff receive appropriate learning disability and autism training. "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" is the standardized training program recommended by the government. By completing this training, providers can equip their staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver safe, compassionate, and informed care, ultimately preventing avoidable harm and enhancing the well-being of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.

Importance of the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the information provided about "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" has the following implications:

1. The Government's Preferred and Recommended Training: The training program is recognized as the government's preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff. This means that providers should prioritize and encourage their staff to complete this training to ensure they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to support individuals with disabilities and autism effectively.

2. Tiered Structure: The training is divided into two tiers. Tier 1 is for individuals who require general awareness of the support needed by autistic individuals or those with a learning disability. Tier 2 is for individuals who may need to provide care and support for these individuals. Providers should identify the appropriate tier for each staff member based on their role and responsibilities.

3. E-Learning and Additional Sessions: The training consists of two parts. The first part is an e-learning package that is required for all staff, regardless of their training tier. The second part varies based on the tier: a live 1-hour online interactive session for Tier 1 or a 1-day face-to-face training for Tier 2. Providers should ensure that staff complete both parts of the training according to their tier requirements.

4. Standardized Training: Providers must ensure that the training delivered aligns with the standardized Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism package. This ensures consistency and adherence to the recommended training content.

5. Recording and Compliance: Employers are responsible for informing staff about when to complete the e-learning, which tier of training they should undertake, and how to access the subsequent activity. Providers should ensure that the training completion is recorded correctly according to their internal processes.

6. Ongoing Training Needs: Employers need to continue reviewing the training needs of their staff and provide relevant training for each role. This highlights the importance of regular evaluation and addressing knowledge or skills gaps in supporting individuals with disabilities and autism.

7. Core Capabilities Frameworks: The content of the training is mapped to the Core Capabilities Frameworks for Supporting Autistic People and Supporting People with a Learning Disability. Providers should ensure the training aligns with these frameworks to address the specific capabilities required for adequate support.

In summary, UK health and social care providers should prioritize implementing "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" for their staff. They should ensure compliance with the tiered structure, encourage e-learning and additional session completion, and record training completion appropriately. Providers should also consider the ongoing training needs of their staff and ensure alignment with the Core Capabilities Frameworks. By doing so, providers can enhance the skills, knowledge, and understanding of their workforce in supporting individuals with disabilities and autism effectively.

Who is the primary audience of the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism?

According to Health Education England, the primary audiences for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Autism and Learning Disability are:

1. Health Workforce: This includes healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other staff working in healthcare settings. The training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and compassionate care to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

2. Social Care Workforce: This refers to professionals and support workers working in social care settings, including residential care homes, day centres, and community support services. The training helps them understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and autism, enabling them to provide person-centred care and support.

3. Family, Parent, Sibling Carers, and Personal Assistants: The training recognizes the importance of involving family members, caregivers, and personal assistants in the support network of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. It aims to provide them with knowledge and awareness to understand better and assist those they care for.

4. General Awareness Seekers: The training is also open to individuals who require a general awareness of people with learning disabilities and autism. This could include individuals working in non-healthcare or non-social care roles who may interact with individuals with disabilities in various settings, such as education, community organizations, or public services.

By targeting these primary audiences, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training aims to reach a wide range of professionals, caregivers, and individuals who can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Skills for Care guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the information provided by Skills for Care about "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" holds the following implications:

1. Requirement for Appropriate Training: The Health and Care Act 2022 mandates that all CQC registered service providers ensure their staff receive training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their roles. Providers must comply with this requirement and ensure their staff receive the necessary training.

2. Government's Preferred Training: "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" is the preferred and recommended training program for health and social care staff. Providers should prioritize this training for their workforce to ensure they have the skills, knowledge, and understanding to deliver safe and compassionate care to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

3. Addressing Inequalities: Research indicates that people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals experience inequalities, including premature mortality and disparities in care quality. Effective training has been shown to bring about changes in practice and reduce these inequalities. By implementing the training, providers can contribute to addressing these disparities and improving the outcomes and experiences of individuals with disabilities.

4. Two Tiers of Training: The training is divided into two tiers. Tier 1 focuses on general awareness, while Tier 2 is for those who may provide care and support to individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Providers should identify the appropriate tier for each staff member based on their roles and responsibilities.

5. Training Components: The training consists of two parts. The first part is an e-learning module that all staff must complete. The second part varies based on the tier, with Tier 1 requiring a 1-hour online interactive session and Tier 2 involving a 1-day face-to-face session. The training is delivered by individuals with lived experience of a learning disability or being autistic.

6. Skills for Care's Data Set: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training parts have been added to Skills for Care's Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS). This allows employers to record and report on completion rates for the training.

7. Good Practice in Training: Skills for Care recognizes specific criteria as good practice in learning disability and autism training, including aligning training with core competency frameworks, co-production and co-delivery by individuals with lived experience, and the ability to apply learning to practice. "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" meets these good practice criteria.

In summary, health and social care providers in the UK should ensure their staff receive appropriate training on learning disability and autism as required by the Health and Care Act 2022. "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" is the preferred training program and should be prioritized. Providers should follow the tiered structure, complete all training components, and utilize Skills for Care's data set for recording and reporting. By implementing this training, providers can address inequalities, improve care quality, and enhance outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

National Autistic Society guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the information provided by the National Autistic Society about "The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism" has the following implications:

1. Co-Production with Autistic People and Individuals with a Learning Disability: The training program has been developed and trialled in collaboration with autistic individuals, people with a learning disability, and their families. This co-production approach ensures that the training reflects the needs, perspectives, and experiences of the individuals it aims to support.

2. Positive Feedback and Impact: The feedback from the trial of the training program has been positive, with participants reporting improvements in knowledge, skills, and confidence. The involvement of autistic individuals and those with learning disability in the training delivery has been well-received and appreciated by participants.

3. Commitment to Addressing Inequalities: The training program addresses the significant inequalities experienced by autistic individuals and those with a learning disability in accessing healthcare and receiving appropriate support. By improving the understanding and skills of health and social care staff, the training program aims to reduce these disparities and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

4. Government Commitment and Partnership: The government has recognized the importance of this training program and has committed to rolling it out to all health and care staff across England. The National Autistic Society is one of the partners involved in developing and delivering the training, working alongside other organizations such as Mencap, Access All Areas Theatre Group, and others.

5. Importance of Training for Healthcare Staff: The National Autistic Society highlights the need to understand autism among healthcare professionals better. Research has shown low levels of autism understanding among hospital doctors and social workers. The training program aims to bridge this knowledge gap and ensure that healthcare staff can provide appropriate support and reasonable adjustments to autistic individuals.

6. Training Impact and Health Inequalities: While the training is a significant step forward, it is acknowledged that it alone is not enough to address the health inequalities faced by autistic individuals. Proper investment in social care and community mental health services is also needed to address the systemic issues contributing to these inequalities.

In summary, UK health and social care providers should know the importance of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. The training is co-produced with autistic individuals, and those with a learning disability, and it aims to improve understanding, support, and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Providers should prepare for the rollout of the training program and consider its impact on improving healthcare services for autistic individuals and those with learning disability.

Care Quality Commission (2023) guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the information provided by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) about training staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability has the following implications:

Legal Requirement: Since July 1, 2022, all registered health and social care providers must train their staff in learning disability and autism. This training should cover appropriate interactions with autistic people and people with learning disability and be tailored to the staff member's role.

Application to All Settings and Staff: The legal requirement applies to all services and settings, not just specialist services for individuals with disabilities, and to all health and care staff, including ancillary staff who may have contact with individuals with disabilities, such as administrative staff.

Consideration of Regulation 18: Providers still need to meet the requirements of Regulation 18, which includes providing appropriate support, training, professional development, supervision, and appraisal to enable staff to carry out their duties effectively.

Review of Induction, Training, and Supervision Plans: Providers should review their induction, training, and supervision plans for all staff to ensure compliance with the new training requirement. This involves considering the level of training appropriate for different roles and providing proper supervision to maintain competence in supporting individuals with disabilities.

Impact on Service Delivery: The training requirement aims to ensure that service providers can meet the needs of individuals using their services, including autistic people and people with learning disability. By providing appropriate training, providers can improve all service users' overall experience and outcomes.

Assessing Training Needs: Providers should assess each staff member's role and determine the level of training required. This may vary depending on the frequency and nature of their interactions with individuals with disabilities. Ancillary staff, such as receptionists, security guards, or kitchen staff, should also be considered for appropriate awareness training.

Code of Practice and Core Capabilities Frameworks: The government is developing a Code of Practice, likely the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice, which will provide details and standards for the training requirement. Meanwhile, providers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the core capabilities frameworks for supporting people with a learning disability and supporting autistic people as a reference.

CQC's Focus: When assessing the quality of care provided by a service, the CQC will check staff competence in delivering safe, person-centred care and treatment to all individuals, including those with a learning disability and autistic people. Compliance with the training requirement and implementing learned skills into practice will be evaluated.

Enforcement and Action: Providers found to breach Regulation 18 by not providing appropriate training may face regulatory action. The CQC will consider each case individually and act proportionately based on the specific circumstances.

In summary, health and social care providers in the UK must ensure that their staff receive appropriate training in learning disability and autism, including interactions with autistic individuals and those with learning disability. Compliance with the legal requirement, ongoing evaluation of training effectiveness, and implementation of learned skills into practice are crucial for providing safe and person-centred care to individuals with disabilities. Providers should stay updated on developments, including the Code of Practice, and utilize resources such as the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training package to meet the training requirements.

Mencap guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the statement by Mencap about The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism has the following implications:

Legal Requirement: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training has been signed into law as part of the Health and Social Care Act. This means that health and social care providers must ensure their staff receive training on learning disability and autism, enabling them to understand the needs of individuals with a learning disability and/or autism and provide appropriate care.

Improved Understanding and Skills: The training aims to equip health and social care staff with the confidence and skills necessary to ensure individuals with a learning disability and/or autism can access the healthcare they need. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing this group's specific needs and challenges.

Preventing Avoidable Deaths: The training responds to the preventable deaths of individuals with a learning disability. The case of Oliver McGowan highlighted the urgent need for improved training and better health outcomes. By ensuring staff have the necessary knowledge and skills, health and social care providers can play a crucial role in preventing avoidable deaths and improving overall healthcare for this group.

Co-Design and Collaboration: The training has been developed with people with learning disability, family members, and expert partners. The involvement of individuals with lived experience in the co-design and delivery of the training is critical in changing attitudes and practices among health and care professionals.

Commitment to National Rollout: Mencap, as one of the partners involved in the development and trial of the training, expresses its commitment to supporting the successful national rollout of the training program. This includes supporting the implementation of the Code of Practice provided for in the Health and Care Act, which will further contribute to saving lives and improving outcomes.

Support for Paula and Tom McGowan: Mencap acknowledges the tireless campaigning efforts of Paula and Tom McGowan, the parents of Oliver McGowan. Their dedication and perseverance have been instrumental in advocating for better health outcomes for individuals with learning disability and autism. Mencap stands beside them in their pursuit of improving training and care.

In summary, UK health and social care providers should be aware that The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is now a legal requirement. They must ensure their staff receive the training to understand the needs of individuals with a learning disability and/or autism. Collaboration, co-design, and the commitment to national rollout are crucial to implementing the training successfully and improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Local Government Association (LGA) guidance for the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

For health and social care providers in the UK, the statement by the Local Government Association about The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism has the following implications:

1. Legal Requirement: The training requirement is now enshrined in the Health and Care Act 2022. Health and social care service providers must ensure that their staff receive training on learning disabilities and autism appropriate to their role. This applies to all services and settings, not just specialist services, and to all health and care staff and ancillary staff who may have contact with individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

2. Updated Regulation 18: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has updated Regulation 18 in line with the Health and Social Care Act 2022. Providers must ensure that all staff receive training on interacting appropriately with people with learning disability and autistic people at a level appropriate to their role. Compliance with this regulation will be required for all regulated services.

3. Code of Practice: The Secretary of State will develop and publish a Code of Practice for the sector within the next twelve months. This code will outline the content, delivery, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the mandatory training. Providers must adhere to the standards in the code and the accompanying guidance when published.

4. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: The training program is named after Oliver McGowan, whose tragic death highlighted the need for better skills, knowledge, and understanding of the needs of autistic people and people with learning disability among health and social care staff. The training is being developed and trialled with the involvement of people with lived experience, including individuals with learning disability, autistic people, and family carers.

5. Tiered Training Approach: The training is divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2, depending on the level of support and care individuals may need to provide. Tier 1 covers general awareness, while Tier 2 includes care and support. Employers need to review the training needs of their staff and ensure they receive the relevant training for their roles.

6. Compliance and Monitoring: Providers will be required to evidence compliance with the training requirements, which will apply to any regulated service. While compliance does not currently apply to Ofsted registered providers or social care staff in unregulated services, ensuring these staff members receive appropriate training is considered good practice.

7. Local Capacity Building: Health Education England and NHS England will support Integrated Care Boards to build local capacity to deliver the training. This includes involving local training providers, self-advocacy groups, and disabled people's organizations. Local authorities and social care providers can engage with their Integrated Care Boards to contribute to this process.

8. Financial Considerations: The LGA is working with the government to identify any new financial burdens resulting from the training requirement. Providers may need to consider the financial implications of implementing mandatory training for their staff.

In summary, health and social care providers in the UK must ensure compliance with the legal requirement of providing training on learning disabilities and autism. They should review their training plans, adhere to the updated Regulation 18, and prepare for the forthcoming Code of Practice. The training should be tailored to staff roles, involve individuals with lived experience, and aim to improve health and social care staff's skills, knowledge, and understanding in providing safe and compassionate care to individuals with learning disabilities and autism.

Why does Oliver McGowan's story matter?

Oliver's story, as told by his mother Paula, is a heartbreaking account of Oliver's challenges during his interactions with the healthcare system. Despite his disabilities, Oliver was a vibrant and accomplished young man who brought joy to those around him. However, his experiences with antipsychotic medications had devastating consequences.

Oliver's parents were concerned about the use of antipsychotic medications as he did not have a diagnosis of psychosis or a mental illness. They believed that healthcare professionals misunderstood his normal autistic behaviours. Their pleas to reconsider the medications were disregarded, leading to severe adverse effects on Oliver's mood, seizure activity, and overall well-being.

Throughout his hospital stays Oliver faced a lack of understanding and accommodation for his autism and learning disabilities. Staff members had limited knowledge of sensory overload and did not make reasonable adjustments to meet Oliver's needs. The inappropriate use of physical restraints and the lack of privacy added to his distress.

The negligence continued even when Oliver was transferred to a specialist hospital with a better understanding of his condition. Despite his sensitivity to antipsychotic medications being well-documented, he was administered these drugs again without consent. This led to further deterioration in his condition, including seizures and a high fever.

Tragically, Oliver's brain was severely damaged and he passed away after his life support was turned off. His death could have been prevented if healthcare professionals had listened to his parents, considered his previous reactions to medications, and sought input from specialists familiar with his case.

Paula McGowan advocates for healthcare professionals to prioritize listening, respecting, and working in partnership with individuals with learning disabilities, autism and their families. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to legal acts such as the Mental Capacity Act, Autism Act, Human Rights Act, and Equality Act. The principles of STOMP (Stopping Over-Medication of People with a Learning Disability, Autism, or Both) should be followed to prevent similar tragedies.

Oliver's story serves as a reminder of the critical need for healthcare professionals to approach individuals with learning disabilities and autism with compassion, respect, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. The mandatory training on learning disability and autism, such as The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, aims to address these gaps and improve the care provided to this vulnerable population.

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust statement about the Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has been actively involved in developing and delivering The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. The training is named after Oliver McGowan, whose tragic death in 2016 highlighted the urgent need for improved training in these areas for health and social care staff.

The project team responsible for the training includes Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Inclusion Gloucestershire, Family Partnership Solutions, and Gloucestershire County Council. The movement has been co-designed and co-delivered with input from individuals with a learning disability, autistic individuals, family carers, and professionals working in learning disability and autism.

The training is intended for direct care providers and individuals who occasionally interact with people with a learning disability and/or autism in various settings such as education, law enforcement, job centres, and public transportation.

The rollout of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism was officially launched in England on November 1, 2022, following the passage of the Health and Care Act 2022. The training aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of health and social care staff, enabling them to deliver improved care and support to individuals with learning disability and autistic individuals.

In June 2022, the National Development Team for Inclusion (NTDi) published its final evaluation report on the training trials. This report provides insights into the effectiveness and impact of the training program.

Testimonials from stakeholders and participants have highlighted the importance and positive outcomes of the training, emphasizing the value of increased understanding and improved care for individuals with learning disability and autism.

For further information or inquiries about The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism, GHC suggests contacting them at learning@ghc.nhs.uk.

Key points to remember about the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism

During our interaction, we discussed The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism in the UK. Here are the key points:

1. The training is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man who tragically died due to inadequate care related to his autism and learning disability.
2. The training aims to ensure that health and social care staff better understand the needs of individuals with a learning disability and/or autism.
3. The training was developed due to advocacy and campaigning efforts by Oliver's parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, along with organizations like Mencap and the Local Government Association.
4. The Health and Care Act 2022 enshrined the training into law, making it mandatory for health and social care providers.
5. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) updated Regulation 18 to include the requirement for training on learning disabilities and autism.
6. The training is being implemented in tiers, with Tier 1 providing general awareness and Tier 2 focusing on care and support provision.
7. Compliance with the training is necessary for regulated services, and providers will need to evidence their staff's competency in interacting appropriately with individuals with a learning disability and autism.
8. The Secretary of State will publish a Code of Practice that outlines the content, delivery, and ongoing monitoring of the training.
9. Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, along with other national partners, was involved in the co-design and delivery of the training.
10. The training received positive feedback and testimonials from stakeholders, highlighting its importance in improving care outcomes.

These points capture the significance of The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism in addressing the needs of individuals with a learning disability and autism and improving the knowledge and skills of health and social care staff in the UK.

The Mandatory Training Group - Leading UK providers of accredited Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism

The Mandatory Training Group is proud to be a leading provider of accredited statutory and mandatory training for health and social care providers across the UK. We are dedicated to ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the necessary training to meet the requirements set out in the Health and Care Act 2022, including the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.

Our comprehensive training programs are designed to equip healthcare staff with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to provide safe, compassionate, and informed care to individuals with learning disability and autism. We prioritize the co-design and co-delivery of training with people with lived experience, including individuals with learning disability, autistic individuals, and family carers.

By collaborating with expert partners, stakeholders, and organizations involved in developing and implementing the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, we ensure that our training packages align with the national standards and guidelines. Our commitment to quality training empowers healthcare professionals to impact the lives of those they care for positively.

As healthcare providers navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare legislation, we stand ready to support them in meeting their mandatory training obligations. Through our accredited training courses, we strive to contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes for individuals with a learning disability and autism, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and best practice within the health and social care sectors.

The Mandatory Training Group remains dedicated to driving excellence in healthcare education and training, and we are honoured to play a role in implementing the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism.

Click here to book the CPDUK-accredited Oliver McGowan mandatory training for learning disabilities and autism.

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism - The Mandatory Training Group UK -