Abstract

Developments in medicine and technology mean that infants and children can now survive with increasingly complex and continuing health needs (Jardine & Wallace, 1998). The National Health Service Executive (1997) and the National Service Framework for Children with Complex Needs (Ward et al., 2003) have identified the importance of meeting the specific needs of this population. Wherever possible, children should be cared for within their family unit in the community (National Health Service Executive, 1997). However, for children with complex needs, the availability of staff to provide suitable home care and support is often a major obstacle to their discharge from hospital (National Health Service Executive, 1997; Noyes, 2002). Education and training opportunities for staff who care for this client group has not, to date, kept pace with the developing population (Prewlett, 2000). Although the care of this client group is generally overseen, planned and co-ordinated by registered nurses, day to day input is often provided by care staff who are not registered nurses. A national survey of care managers (Hewitt-Taylor, 2004) indicated that the provision of more specific education and training for this group of staff might be beneficial. A series of study days for such staff was therefore developed. This paper discusses the rationale for their development, their evaluation, and future plans for education and training.