Catriona Jamieson 

“I was previously a family carer but always really interested in becoming a learning disability nurse. Working alongside people with learning disabilities, I could see the incredible difference good nursing care made to their everyday wellbeing.”

“My daughter is a community mental health nurse and she pointed out to me that there were often vacancies for learning disability nurses. I knew I wanted to be qualified the next time a vacancy like that came up. Studying was difficult for me at school because there was no support for my dyslexia. I was nervous to start my nurse training, but the experience was completely different. Taking single modules, I was able to study the basics of maths and human biology part time whilst still working.”

“I want people to live in an inclusive environment. Even if it’s not within our own lived experience we can all make sure that people with a learning disability are heard and able to express themselves. If you don’t make space to understand someone’s needs, then how are you going to meet them or plan for that? Planning an environment where health can flourish allows us to be proactive in the care we provide.”

“Building a diverse community which benefits all the people of Scotland is my job as an ally to those in my care. By educating myself about people’s needs I can elevate their voices and make recommendations as part of my leadership role. First, I see how things fit within my value space and then I seek other opinions to check that I’m getting it right. Making sure that my understanding is authentic to those with lived experience.”

“Once I know I’m on the right track, I also have to convey those lived experiences to the people making the plans. I’m a conduit for those who have something to say but don’t have the audience. What’s missing is the direct voice of the person I care for, so I have to push myself outside of my comfort zone to ensure I’m representing them strongly. People always assume I’m outgoing but it’s about pushing yourself because the cause makes it worthwhile!”

“We all want to know that we’ve done the best we can for those in our care. Sometimes that means telling the decision makers things they don’t want to hear. Asking if someone feels valued in a particular environment or if they feel their health and wellbeing is a priority is so important. Negative responses to these questions can be hard to feedback, but they do have a knock-on effect on someone’s physical health.”

“You need to take long-term point of view with certain objectives. Change can involve adapting the physical environment, something that has cost implications and the potential to cause major disruptions to service. There’s every chance that your point isn’t going to land the first time around.”

“The programme workshops have provided a forum to talk about the things in my heart, to have them validated. It has provided me with protected time to slow down, recognise my strengths and the strengths of others, and take the opportunity to build something together.”

“The coaching sessions have been great. My coach has helped me look inside myself, asking me to bring different situations to our meetings so I can examine them in different ways. The language I use is so different now, more positive. I’m proud of my achievements love to see the growth that comes from working authentically. It means my development automatically marries with my values.”

“Our cohort WhatsApp group was buzzing with anticipation. After many hours of online workshops together we were ready to meet. At Carberry Tower, our conversations could be spontaneous. There was no influence from the outside world, a safe space to indulge in all the benefits of the Queen’s Nurse programme.”

“Together we worked on our idea for development related to the criminal justice system. The group acknowledged the expertise of the forensics-based nurses, but they didn’t overtake the conversation. I felt welcome to bring my own expertise – knowledge of people’s level of awareness, differing processing times and the need to create a supportive environment.”

“When someone ends up in prison, the loss of freedom is their punishment. Those with a learning disability should not suffer additional punishment due to their needs being left unmet. As a cohort we are considering meaningful communication, particularly with solicitors and other professionals outside of healthcare. Assessing a person’s own understanding of what’s happened to them so they can share it with others.”

“I work with people who have profound and multiple disabilities every day, but I had to learn about processes within the criminal justice system from scratch. It was exciting to explore an entirely new scenario. I was grateful to be part of a group enthusiastic about exploring necessary adjustments to the system. There are limitations due to legislation, so it’s an important puzzle working out how to meet differing physical needs in prison and in court.”

“We have all expressed our needs in ineffective ways before. I recognise the frustration at not having my needs met, and I don’t have a non-verbal or intellectual disability, that’s why I am so passionate about easing that frustration for others.”