The importance of leadership in the development of an integrated team.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a personal perspective on the role of leadership within the development of an integrated team.


BACKGROUND
The government white paper Valuing People recently proposed that collaborative working is essential in service delivery for people with a learning disability. This has led to the development of the integrated team to respond the often complex needs of people with a learning disability.


METHODS
A situational analysis is used to outline the history, and the changes within learning disability services. The role of self, team development and leadership are then explored in achieving future change and objectives.


CONCLUSIONS
Transformational skills are essential in the development of team working, however, understanding and commitment to the process of collaboration is required by all agencies and at all levels in order to implement change. Nurses are placed in influential positions within the change process.
Outhwaite
Sharon
S
Team Leader, Fareham and Gosport Community Learning Disability Team, Fareham, Hampshire, UK. southwaite@supanet.com
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005544:Forecasting; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007587:Job Description; D007857:Leadership; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000628:therapy; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D012649:Self Concept; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom