Les Amis paves the way to honour Oliver's Legacy

In 2016, Oliver McGowan, 18 at the time, died in hospital due to a rare reaction to anti-psychotic medication, administered despite multiple warnings to staff by himself and his family that he was intolerant. Oliver's tragic death highlighted the need for better training and understanding of people with learning disabilities and/or autism within health and social care.

Oliver's mother, Paula McGowan OBE, has since dedicated her life to campaigning for equality in Health & Social Care for individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. The Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability and Autism, developed in partnership with those who have lived experience, was made mandatory in 2022 through an amendment to the UK Health & Social Care Act.

Whilst the training is mandatory for health and social care staff in the UK, this is not the case in Jersey. Les Amis believes firmly in the mission of Oliver's campaign, and paves the way for Oliver McGowan Training across the Channel Islands.

The organisation is thrilled that all permanent support staff who have passed their probationary period have completed the Tier One training.

Les Amis' Operations Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Paul Watson, and Behaviour & Practice Development Manager, Andy Millett, are scheduled to attend the Train the Trainer course for Tier Two in May. Once qualified, they will then return to Jersey and roll out the Tier Two training for all Les Amis support workers to complete.

Hear from Paula McGowan OBE below on Les Amis' achievement.