Senior Community Learning Disability Nurse Tracy Scott’s exceptional patient care has a significant impact on those who need it most.

Tracy works in the North Community Learning Disabilities Team in Oxford. The Learning Disabilities service supports adults to maintain good mental and physical health, aiming to enhance individuals’ quality of life.

Tracy is a committed and experienced Learning Disability nurse; she has cared for people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. Their needs are at the front and centre of her care – with her determination, knowledge, and compassion Tracy supports people to achieve their positive outcomes, with the dignity and advocation they deserve.

Tracy provides a steady and calm pair of hands during complex care cases and crisis; rarely will her service users need urgent support as she manages her care with a thoughtful, calm and reassuring approach. She goes the extra mile when supporting people, especially those without direct care and support in place, and will consistently advocate services for them within the Learning Disabilities team and across system partners. She ensures people with a Learning Disability access the same level of care as people who do not, helping them manage their fears to access the life-saving treatment they need.

Alongside the rest of the Learning Disabilities North Team, Tracy has been recognised by Oxford Brookes University as an outstanding placement partner – deserving special recognition for her skills, commitment, and inspiration. Students enjoy working with Tracy and always learn when in her company – so much so the team had returning students because of the support they receive.

In addition to students, Tracy mentors newly qualified and more junior staff, instilling good practice and reflective practice so the patient is at the centre.

Tracy is an expert – reliable, dedicated, and positive – a go-to member of the team who is inspirational and responsible.

The nomination

Tracy was nominated by Nurse Consultant for Learning Disabilities Emma Short. Tracy was nominated for her significant contribution to the team and the impact she has on the future workforce of the NHS.

Emma commented:

“Tracy is tenacious, a good advocate, excellent clinician, and investigates the detail behind a referral. Her service users always respond well to her and feel sad to say goodbye which is echoed in her student reflections. Tracy is a great leader and educator, always wanting to continue learning and developing herself. A great aspiration for all Learning Disabilities nurses and women.

“There are many examples of why Tracy is exceptional, if I had asked team members to contribute, we could have filled the page.

“One student shared feedback from working with Tracy – they learnt to listen carefully and pay attention to patients by maintaining physical eye contact and use of body language to show empathy and remember to always be compassionate to vulnerable patients, empathetic and listen.

“Tracy is working on projects to support those with epilepsy and to review what we do as a service linking across into Oxford University Hospitals. She maintains her professional curiosity and has signed up to complete a diploma in epilepsy next year.

“She is supporting a bowel health project across BOB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West) as constipation and its management is a key area of concern and interest for her, she successfully delivers person-centred care plans in this area with those who have profound and multiple disabilities and limited communication.

“More intimately she has worked with several women with learning disabilities who have cancer and gynaecology issues to ensure they get equitable and speedy primary care but importantly to encourage them to attend the scary appointments by listening, teaching and attending with them when it is all too much.”