Ruth Waters

As a neuro-diversity practitioner working within the mental health team, I have responsibility for screening, assessment and diagnosis of patients with ADHD, screening for ASD and co-facilitation of the ADOS formal diagnostic process and the screening of patients with learning disabilities. It is my responsibility to ensure the patients are supported appropriately by the extended Multi-disciplinary team on site and that interventions are offered particular to the individuals needs. I develop support plans with the patients, shared with partner agencies to ensure the most effective support is offered to them. My responsibilities extend to the community where referrals for support on release from prison are made and partner agencies worked with for best outcomes.

I also deliver therapeutic interventions in my own right. I have been offering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) within my position for the NHS for over 4 years and am now an accredited clinical hypnotherapist with my own part time private caseload.

I have taken the lead in offering short talks with regard to neurodiversity and childhood trauma. I have also delivered ACT training to other professionals in allied prisons.

Direct patient care as nurse in charge on shift. 20+ residents with learning disabilities, co-morbid mental health issues and physical health needs. Responsible for the small staff team and the general health and well being of the residents.

Personal care and intervention work to maintain and improve health and wellbeing.

Nurse in charge on shift, managing small working team. Nursing home for elderly patients with diverse range of physical and common mental health problems. End of life care also provided.

Bank shifts taken in environments where patients had learning disabilities, co-morbid mental health issues and wide range of physical health needs. Nurse in charge on shift, responsible for small care team.

Nurse in charge of residential care home for people with learning disabilities, co-morbid mental health issues and wide range of physical health needs. Age range 23 to 92. Responsible for co-ordinating the care team, maintaining care records, risk assessments and support plans. Provision of person centred, holistic care.

Shared responsibility for taking charge on shift of own autonomous practise and the care team. Environment aimed at rehabilitation of patients with severe mental health problems, learning disabilities and extensive range of physical health needs. 20+ patients needing robust care plans, risk assessments, CPA involvement and flexible approach to care. As joint nurse in charge responsibility for managing team, ensuring evidence based practises employed and all records up to date and robust.