Healthcare workers have praised the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programme for providing them with a “deeper insight” into Oliver’s experiences, helping to improve patient care and enhance communication.
Staff from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust attended an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Tier 2 session during August.
The session was delivered by leading national training provider First Response Training and offered to the Trust through Locala Health and Wellbeing, a not-for-profit social enterprise which provides health and care services in communities across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Healthcare staff snap up spaces on Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
Staff from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust “jumped at the chance to attend” this “informative and fun” statutory training session when 25 spaces were offered to them at short notice by Locala.
Indeed, Lead Nurse for Learning Disabilities, Amanda McKie, said she was “blown away” by the response from her colleagues, admitting she could “probably have filled them five times over!”
Feedback for the session was overwhelmingly positive, with healthcare staff praising the training as “informative” and “enjoyable.”
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training gives staff ‘deeper insight’
Matron Rachel Shine said:
“The day gave me a deeper insight into the experience that Oliver and his family went through and how learning from Oliver’s case will not only improve patient care but enhance how we communicate with and treat our colleagues too.
“The session was delivered in a very relaxed and enjoyable way. I loved the fidget toys and colouring books that we could use whilst having open discussions, learning about the historical and up-to-date statistics. The Autism quiz was great fun, and the whole day felt informative, and the recommended reading was appreciated.”
She also shared that the training had helped her identify that one of her children may be on the autism spectrum and that it runs in her family.
She added:
“I have taken some of the resources and guidance to look at purchasing a mood and emotion calendar which she is very excited about using.”
Learners empowered to deliver ‘positive experiences’ for patients
Importantly, she said she will be sharing her learning and “improving my own awareness and care for our learning disability patients and colleagues.”
Meanwhile, a Trainee Nursing Associate, Ellie Burland, shared:
“I found the session very informative and fun, I learned a lot. I will make sure reasonable adjustments are made to ensure patients have a very positive experience in endoscopy and in my future care.”
Quality assured to deliver Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training
First Response Training (FRT) were one of the first training providers in the country to be approved to deliver the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Framework on Learning Disability and Autism. They are now quality assured to deliver Oliver’s Training through the Quality Assured Care Learning Service from the Department of Health and Social Care and Skills for Care.
They have trained thousands of healthcare professionals across the UK so far, working with several NHS Trusts and ICBs to rollout both Tier 1 and Tier 2 training sessions to their staff. They are also supporting many national adult social care providers and local authorities to undergo Oliver’s Training.
A spokesperson from FRT says their aim is to “empower and educate staff to transform their practice by embracing the lived experiences of autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.”
Through the collaborative strength of their trios—facilitating trainers and experts with lived experience — FRT aims to inspire lasting change in how individuals are understood, supported, and valued.
Providing learning and support for health and social care
FRT are currently hosting a series of open, public Tier 2 courses in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
These sessions offer more flexibility for providers who are unable to set aside a date for a large group of staff to undergo training in one go. They offer a simple and cost effective alternative.
You can book a space on any of these courses online now.
FRT have also developed a free-to-download quick guide to the new Oliver McGowan draft code of practice.
This guide explains what the new code of practice means for health and social care providers, how to stay current, and how to meet new legal duties.
You can also download FRT’s free Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training brochure.
For further information on other types of neurodiversity training offered by FRT, visit their webpage or download the brochure.
You can contact FRT via freephone 0800 310 2300, send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com or submit an online enquiry.