A PIONEERING new three-year course in learning disability nursing to be held in two centres in Coventry and Worcester is being spearheaded by a lecturer from South Littleton.

John Lahiff took up his post earlier this month as senior lecturer and course tutor for the innovative course which will run at Coventry University and University College, Worcester.

The course, which will begin at the end of September, has been developed as part of a wide range of new initiatives to improve and enhance services and quality of life for people with learning disability.

The course organisers pointed out that as a group, people with learning disabilities experience significant health inequalities to the point where life expectancy is significantly shorter when compared to the general population.

John said: "A tremendous amount of planning and preparation has gone into the development of this course, which has involved hundreds of people across the region.

"It's difficult to put an exact figure on the number of people involved, but there have been over 90 people with learning disabilities taking part and that doesn't include their carers and support agencies who have also contributed substantially.

"The learning disability nursing course is already attracting national interest and entered for a number of national awards."

Fiona Ritchie, learning disability leader for the West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority, said: "I am delighted this new course has received a commendation for its innovative practice of user involvement.

"People with learning disabilities have taken an active part in the success of this and we are excited that they will go on to teach and participate in the whole running of the course.

"We look forward to seeing the first students qualifying."

John also pointed out: "The majority of successful applicants will automatically have their course fees paid for them and will, in addition, receive a bursary of several thousand pounds in each year."