An exploration of learning disability and mental health nurses perspectives of co-working in the Republic of Ireland

There is an ongoing debate about how specialist psychiatric services for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems should be developed. Nursing personnel are the largest professional group involved with care provision, yet to date there has been little research addressing the knowledge and experiences of learning disability and mental health nurses co-working with this population. This aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of these nurses, using qualitative methods. The findings are discussed in comparison with the innovative collaborative working that has occurred with the UK.