A report says that people in nursing jobs who specialise in working with those who have learning disabilities need to be put to better use by the NHS, the Nursing Times reports.

Specialist learning disability nurses need to be developed and given more responsibilities such as the ability to prescribe drugs, provide therapy and work in highly specialised services, according to the report by the four UK chief nursing officers.

The Strengthening and Commitment report sets out a series of recommendations aimed at putting an end to the decline in learning disability nursing as demand for the services is increasing,

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has welcomed the report after it identified a serious fall in the number of learning disability nurses as well as cuts to specialist training courses.

RCN general secretary, Peter Carter, said: "The real test will now be in how services are improved and if enough learning disability nurses are recruited."

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It has been announced that social carers in Wales will be represented by a new Academy of Care Practitioners.

The academy will be officially launched next month at the Welsh Assembly, with the aim of improving the standing of social carers, while also representing them and providing them with the assistance and support they need. To aid this, the academy will hold a range of meetings each year, as well as running awards and creating reports into the profession.

Care Forum Wales chair Mario Kreft said the academy will assist in improving the standing and professionalism of those in social care jobs by giving them a professional body. He also explained that the workers` jobs were already too intensive for them time to have time to create their own body, so it was important they were assisted in this project. "It is time social care workers were given some assistance to make this a reality," said Kreft.

The academy was developed by a range of organisations, including Care Forum Wales, and is hosted by Glyndwr University. Prior to the launch, there was a successful year-long pilot scheme to test the project.

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The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has welcomed a report which focuses on the value of leadership and training to improve the service provided by those in care worker jobs with older people.

The report from the Commission on Dignity in Care called for fundamental changes to end the "persistent failings" in the care system. Universities and professional bodies should be satisfied applicants have the "academic qualifications and compassionate values needed to provide dignified care".

The RCP said the report was in line with its own recommendations to the commission to focus on leadership and training.

The clinical vice-president of the RCP, Dr Linda Patterson said: "The RCP recommends that hospitals provide adequate staffing with sufficient time to care for patients, including those with complex needs like dementia, and better continuity of care in acute settings and across providers, with clear accountability."

A month-long consultation will take place on the draft report before the commission publishes its final report by the end of June.

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Work has begun on a project to provide social care services to people affected by Huntingdon`s disease, working age dementia and alcohol-related brain injuries.

Barchester Healthcare and Nottinghamshire Healthcare broke ground on the site of their new venture in Mansfield, which will create 50 places for people who need intensive care and support.

The new building, on the former site of The Forest on Southwell Road, will also be a hub for people with jobs in social care on the trust`s community team. It is designed to provide a pathway for people from assessment to diagnosis and care.

Barchester Healthcare founder and chief executive Mike Parsons said: "Developing a service that draws on good practice from the public and independent sector is something that we are keen to explore. Our new services will reflect local needs and continue to promote Barchester`s reputation for delivering high quality services and person centred care in the best possible care environments."

The development is expected to be competed by the end of the year.

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