Kat Luckhurst

I currently work in a team that provides advice and support across custodies and court in the Bristol and Bath area. My role is to support individuals with all vulnerabilities when in custody and court to: provide information to the courts and police to ensure they are aware of these vulnerabilities, liaise with community services, refer to services if required or divert them away from the criminal justice system if necessary and also recommend reasonable adjustments throughout the criminal justice processes. Whilst a large part of the role is mental health based, individuals with learning disabilities and other neuro-diverse conditions also regularly have contact with the criminal justice system and as a learning disability nurse I offer them support and also provide advice to my colleagues regarding learning disabilities and ensuring patient centred care.

As a learning disability nurse within an all vulnerabilities service, I would like to develop a clear pathway to ensure people with learning disabilities are given patient centred care within the frameworks and processes of the criminal justice system. I am hoping to develop my leadership abilities to ensure that I can encourage confidence in my colleagues who may not have as much learning disabilities experience. I hope that this will lead to a well-rounded, consistent service for all individuals with learning disabilities who have contact with the criminal justice system and help spread learning disability knowledge amongst mental health and general nursing colleagues. I am looking forward to developing my leadership skills to ensure I can share knowledge effectively in our often smaller area of expertise.