12 | Nursing in Practice | Autumn 2022
Opinion and debate on the latest issues affecting nurses in general practice and the community nursingin practice . co . uk
General practice nursing is vital to our cherished NHS
As the country reflects on the life of the late Queen , we consider how our beloved NHS has developed during her reign – and the perilous position it now finds itself in
Carolyn Scott is editor of Nursing in Practice
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Key aspects of the UK ’ s history and tradition have come into focus with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II . We now have a King , as well as a new Prime Minister , and much has been said during this transition in praise of our nation , what we ’ ve achieved and what we should look to preserve . The UK does have a lot to be proud of . Of course , one of our most cherished institutions is the National Health Service , which saw so many changes during the Queen ’ s life . With a new health secretary bringing the chance for a fresh look at the health sector , now is the time to regroup and think hard about resourcing . How can we strengthen the NHS for the longer term ? And in the shorter term , how can we get through the winter ahead ? Our health services are under unprecedented strain .
Practice nurses have already embarked on what is expected to be an extremely busy autumn and winter , coming on top of a brutal summer workload as well as the ongoing backlog of care . This issue ’ s cover feature , on page 6 , examines those challenges . The flu and Covid vaccination programmes , central to the NHS response this winter , come amid a cost-of-living crisis and predicted energy shortages that will put enormous stress on the most vulnerable patients . The holistic skills of nurses will be crucial in determining primary care ’ s ability to help those patients through the winter , and a vital part of the support system for our wider communities ( see page 40 ). Nursing resource in care homes and elsewhere in primary care will be equally important , as hospital beds need to be freed up to allow admissions .
The holistic skills of nurses will be crucial for primary care this winter
But is the capacity there in general practice nursing to meet these challenges ? Despite ministers ’ claims , vacancy rates continue to get worse . Government statistics – which don ’ t include practice nurse vacancies by the way – show nursing vacancies have leapt by a further fifth , from 38,972 in March to 46,828 in June ( see News , page 4 ). More people are joining the register , but cannot keep pace with the numbers leaving it . This is something that must be addressed urgently , with effective retention also a priority ( see page 14 ).
Practice nursing is a fundamental part of the success of general practice and the new PM and her health secretary would do well to grasp what is happening in this part of our profession . We need a firm plan to encourage recruitment in general practice , to ensure the longevity of the service of which we are rightly so proud .
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