All our health … and inequalities

I started my nursing career as a learning disability nurse 20 years ago. I loved my job and I felt honoured to work with and support such wonderful people. However, maybe I was naïve, but I was also saddened how people with learning disabilities were discriminated against in many areas but especially in health care. Thankfully this is improving for people with learning disabilities now with the help of legislation and more general awareness, but inequalities still exist, which I have since realised exist for many people in society.

After 10 years as a learning disability nurse I moved into school nursing where I was equally troubled at the inequalities children and young people face. Deprivation was on my doorstep and I hadn't noticed. I had the opportunity to complete the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Degree, which I loved but highlighted to me more than ever the injustice for children, young people and families.