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Clinical Nurse Manager...

St John's Wood
£55k - 60k per year

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Manager – ITU Location: St John's Wood Type: Permanent Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum Sanctuary Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and skilled ITU South Specialist Nurse to join our client's team on a full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week. You will have the option of working Monday - Friday, either from 09:00 am - 17:00 pm or 08:00 am - 16:00 pm. About the Department: ITU South is a renowned neurosurgical/GI/spinal/rehab specialist unit. As one of the pioneering neurosurgery centres in the UK's private sector, their facility has consistently pushed the boundaries of complex intracranial neurosurgery for over 40 years. ITU South is comprised of 49 dedicated staff members. The Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) plays a crucial role in the operations of our client's acute healthcare facility. Their focus is on providing support for both emergency and elective surgeries across all medical specialties. Their ICU nurses are trained to deliver timely interventions for patients who are critically ill or at risk of becoming so. Requirements: Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration. Extensive experience working in an Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) or similar critical care setting. Competency in assessing, planning, and delivering care to critically ill patients. Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, with excellent decision-making skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence of ongoing learning. Understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures related to critical care nursing. Flexibility to work shifts, including nights and weekends, as required. Why Join Our Client: Our client are part of one of the world's leading healthcare providers, with a legacy spanning over 50 years. In the UK, they are among the largest providers of privately funded healthcare, having invested over £500 million in state-of-the-art treatments, technology, and facilities. As part of their multisite, established healthcare group, you will have access to unparalleled opportunities for career advancement through internal and external training programmes. They prioritise the mental and physical wellbeing of their employees, offering flexible working conditions and a host of benefits that reflect their invaluable contributions. Benefits Include: 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service, with the option to buy or sell leave. Private Healthcare Insurance for treatment at our leading hospitals. Private pension contribution, increasing with length of service. Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work scheme. Group Life Assurance from day one. Critical illness cover. Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay. Corporate staff discount for all facilities, including Maternity packages. Comprehensive range of flexible health, protection, and lifestyle benefits. Join our client's team and unlock a wealth of career opportunities while delivering exceptional care to their patients. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel to be part of their dynamic and compassionate healthcare community.

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Community Nurse

Kettering
£30 per hour

Sanctuary Personnel, a dedicated and award-winning recruitment agency with a TrustPilot score of 4.9/5 and nearly 1000 reviews has an exciting opportunity available for an experienced Community Nurse to join a well-established team based in Kettering. Banding/Grade: Band 6 Pay Rate: £30 per hour (assignment rate) Job Type & Hours: Locum ongoing contract Benefits of working for Sanctuary Personnel: Effortless Registration: Say goodbye to paperwork! Our fully online and paperless registration service streamlines the process, making it convenient and hassle-free for you. Compliance Made Easy: Enjoy peace of mind with our free DBS and compliance service, which includes paid-for mandatory e-learning and practical training modules tailored to your needs. Exclusive Opportunities: Unlock access to prestigious nursing roles that you won't find elsewhere. From collaborating with NHSBT to supporting vital projects at The Home Office and Vaccination Centres or relocating candidates to Australia, The Falkland Islands and many other destinations, our network opens doors to diverse and impactful assignments in the UK and globally. Expert Guidance and Support: Benefit from personalised clinical governance and revalidation support from our in-house qualified health professional with over 15 years of experience. We're here to ensure you're always on top of your game. Rewarding Referral Program: Spread the word and reap the rewards! Refer a Nurse and receive a generous £250 bonus once they've completed just 100 hours of work. The best part? There's no limit to how many Community Nurses you can refer. Professional Development: Working as a locum Community/District Nurse provides opportunities for continuous professional development. You may encounter new challenges, technologies, and best practices in different settings, which can enhance your clinical skills and knowledge. Main Duties:  Catheter, syringe driver, palliative care, injection, bloods, vac dressing, wound care, VADs. To maintain current levels of service delivery across rapid response, admissions avoidance and facilitated discharge particularly important to support the wider health economy during increased pressure of winter. Assessments of unwell patients in the community. Continued review and monitoring patient symptoms and progress and escalate where needed to avoid a hospital admission and keep patients at home. Requirements of the Community Nurse: RGN qualified/NMC registered with valid live pin Recent UK nursing experience Must have Community nursing experience Contact: This Community Nurse job is advertised by William Copeland; if you are interested in this position please click above to apply now. We welcome applications from Registered General Nurses who meet the above requirements.Regretfully we are only able to respond to Nurses who meet these requirements for this RGN role as we need to meet our clients requirements, but please feel free to browse our open roles that may be more suitable for you. Reasonable Adjustments: If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement.

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Community Nurse

East Ham
£24 per hour

Sanctuary Personnel, a dedicated and award-winning recruitment agency with a TrustPilot score of 4.9/5 and nearly 1000 reviews has an exciting opportunity available for an experienced Community Nurse to join a well-established team based in East Ham, Greater London. Banding/Grade: Band 5 Pay Rate: £24 per hour (assignment rate) Job Type & Hours: Locum 3  month contract Benefits of working for Sanctuary Personnel: Effortless Registration: Say goodbye to paperwork! Our fully online and paperless registration service streamlines the process, making it convenient and hassle-free for you. Compliance Made Easy: Enjoy peace of mind with our free DBS and compliance service, which includes paid-for mandatory e-learning and practical training modules tailored to your needs. Exclusive Opportunities: Unlock access to prestigious nursing roles that you won't find elsewhere. From collaborating with NHSBT to supporting vital projects at The Home Office and Vaccination Centres or relocating candidates to Australia, The Falkland Islands and many other destinations, our network opens doors to diverse and impactful assignments in the UK and globally. Expert Guidance and Support: Benefit from personalised clinical governance and revalidation support from our in-house qualified health professional with over 15 years of experience. We're here to ensure you're always on top of your game. Rewarding Referral Program: Spread the word and reap the rewards! Refer a Nurse and receive a generous £250 bonus once they've completed just 100 hours of work. The best part? There's no limit to how many Community Nurses you can refer. Professional Development: Working as a locum Community/District Nurse provides opportunities for continuous professional development. You may encounter new challenges, technologies, and best practices in different settings, which can enhance your clinical skills and knowledge. Main Duties: Diabetes management- insulin injection and blood sugar monitoring Medication administration- including IV antibiotics Injections- intramuscular, subcutaneous Male, female and supra-pubic catheterisation and catheter care Palliative care- syringe driver Leg ulcer- compression bandage Pressure ulcer care- including pressure equipment assessment Wound management- including removal of stitches and clips Requirements of the Community Nurse: RGN qualified/NMC registered with valid live pin Recent UK nursing experience Must have Community/District nursing experience Contact: This Community Nurse job is advertised by Jack Dobrucki; if you are interested in this position please click above to apply now. We welcome applications from Registered General Nurses who meet the above requirements.Regretfully we are only able to respond to Nurses who meet these requirements for this RGN role as we need to meet our clients requirements, but please feel free to browse our open roles that may be more suitable for you. Reasonable Adjustments: If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement.

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Registered General Nur...

Ipswich
£31.5k per year

Job Title: Registered General Nurse (RGN) - Neurological Care Centre Location: Ipswich Type: Permanent Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Salary: £31,500 per annum, plus 30% enhancements for nights and weekends Sanctuary Personnel are thrilled to offer an enticing opportunity for a Registered Nurse to become part of our client's esteemed team at a leading neurological care facility in Ipswich, Suffolk. About Our Client: Our establishment, boasting over two decades of experience, has garnered a stellar reputation for its commitment to quality, personalised care, and pioneering rehabilitation services. At our centre, we provide a comprehensive array of residential and community-based services, including 26 residential beds and a specialised unit for level 2 rehabilitation, comprising six beds. Collaborating closely with our in-house multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists, you'll contribute to goal setting and ensuring optimal outcomes for all our clients. Through expert neurorehabilitation, our assessment centres, rehabilitation units, and hospitals strive to enhance the lives of individuals with neurological conditions or brain injuries. About the Role: As a Staff Nurse, you'll play a pivotal role within our dedicated team of Healthcare Professionals, facilitating the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of top-tier, personalised care. About You: Post-registration experience, preferably in neurological care. Up-to-date clinical skills. A passion and dedication to working in neurological care and rehabilitation. A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development. The ability to mentor students and less experienced staff. All successful candidates are subject to compliance checks, including three years of checkable references and DBS/PVG checks. Rewards: Joining us comes with a host of excellent benefits, including generous discounts on various brands and services, holiday allowances, pension contributions, and access to perks such as the Blue Light Card and Perkbox. Furthermore, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), eye voucher scheme, long-service awards, and free uniform and parking further enhance the appeal of being part of our team. If you're a motivated individual with a fervour for delivering exceptional care, we eagerly await your application. To become a valued member of our team, apply now through Sanctuary Personnel.  Our client are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within their organisation. They ensure that all disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the vacancy are guaranteed an interview. At their establishment, they celebrate and uphold their values, offering a range of inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support individuals from all backgrounds.

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Senior Registered Gene...

Ipswich
£34,710 per year

Job Title: Senior Registered General Nurse - Neurological Care Centre Location: Ipswich Type: Permanent Salary: £34,710 per annum + 30% enhancements at weekends Join our client's team and embark on an enriching career journey as a Senior Registered Nurse at the renowned Neurological Care Centre, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Ipswich, Suffolk. About Our Client: Our client operates a leading specialist neurological care centre dedicated to providing exceptional care for individuals aged 18 and above with various neurological conditions. Their mission is to offer comprehensive care that enhances health, fosters independence, and attends to emotional and social needs. Through their assessment centres, rehabilitation units, and hospitals, they employ expert neurorehabilitation techniques to improve the quality of life for those with neurological conditions or brain injuries. As a Senior Nurse with us, you will lead a team of dedicated Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants, ensuring the delivery of high-quality holistic care to our service users. Your responsibilities will include effective team management in accordance with policies and procedures, encompassing recruitment, induction, development, supervision, appraisal, and disciplinary actions. About the role: Your responsibilities will include: Providing support, leadership, recognition, and supervision to team members as necessary Demonstrating activities to new or less experienced staff and providing day-to-day supervision Offering educational support to service users, carers, families, and colleagues to facilitate learning Maintaining accurate and timely records consistent with legislation and organisational policies Applying legal policies to identify vulnerable adults and assessing their impact on care delivery Engaging in continuous professional development and fostering a learning environment for staff Adhering to all Sanctuary Personnel policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient service delivery About you: We are seeking candidates with: Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and influence teams within a clinical environment Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the independent care sector Proficiency in best clinical practices for our client group Proven experience in self-directed and highly motivated practice Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information to service users and their families Competence in negotiation and conflict resolution Adaptability to manage change effectively Capability to provide clinical teaching and mentorship Current NMC registration as a Nurse with post-registration clinical experience Completion of NMC recognised accredited mentor training or willingness to undertake it Evidence of ongoing professional development Benefits: 35 days’ holiday including bank holidays.  Pension Contributions  Blue Light Card: provides those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces with discounts online and in-store.   Perkbox   Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)   Eye voucher scheme   Long service and staff awards   Free uniform   Free Parking   All successful applicants are subject to compliance checks including 3 years of checkable references and DBS/PVG checks. Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. They embrace the Disability Confident scheme, guaranteeing interviews for all disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the vacancy. They strive to create an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and supported, offering a range of inclusive employment policies and forums for staff engagement. To become part of our welcoming team, apply now through Sanctuary Personnel. 

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Anaesthetic Practitioner

Jersey
£48,986.64 - 55,293.84 per year

Job Title: Anaesthetic Practitioner Location: Jersey Type: Permanent Shift Pattern: Full time Salary: £48,986.64 - £55,293.84 per annum Job Overview: Our client are a progressive organisation seeking enthusiastic Anaesthetic Practitioners - Registered Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners - who thrive on change and innovation. Proficient in scrub, anaesthetic, and recovery practices, along with associated duties. Our client's theatres encompass various specialities including General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery (elective and trauma), Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Urology, ENT & Max Fax, Vascular, Ophthalmic, and Dental procedures. Additionally, they provide round-the-clock emergency coverage for the island and its inhabitants. With eight surgical theatres, including two dedicated to day surgery and a minor operations unit, their facilities are well-equipped. The role will also involve participation in the trauma and arrest team, collaborating with anaesthetists in the Accident and Emergency department and peripheral areas. Our client's dedicated team offers full support to new members. They champion inclusivity, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, valuing each individual's contribution and fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to excel based on merit. The ideal candidate will be responsible, functioning within a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality patient care. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to cultivate a culture of learning. Adherence to the NMC/HCPC Code of Professional Conduct, as well as compliance with local, organisational, and national policies, is expected. Flexibility, including rotation, weekend, night, and unsocial hour duties, is required to meet service demands. They provide a competitive relocation package, assisting successful candidates and their families in relocating to Jersey. Support will be provided through a relocation company, along with a financial package of up to £3000 included in the first month's salary. The starting salary, commensurate with experience, begins at £48,986.64 per annum.  Person Specification: The postholder will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines set forth in the NMC Code / HCPC Code and apply them to foster trust and credibility among patients, caregivers, and peers. Remaining fully informed about advancements within their professional field, they will also stay abreast of changes in clinical and nursing practices, sharing their clinical expertise and experiences. Contributing to the establishment of a care philosophy that fosters a therapeutic environment for patients, the incumbent will uphold a professional portfolio showcasing continual development of skills, knowledge, attitudes, and achievements. In nursing or ODP practice, they will oversee the care of specified patients or patient groups by consistently formulating care plans aligned with treatment objectives, thereby ensuring high-quality patient care. Enhancing nursing practice through the acquisition of knowledge and skills in research interpretation and evaluation for evidence-based practice, they will also contribute to setting and maintaining standards in the clinical realm, participating in clinical audits, and serving as a role model for care delivery. Demonstrating proficiency in infection prevention and challenging subpar practices, the incumbent will consistently offer high-quality advice to patients, caregivers, and colleagues, serving as a health promoter and integrating health promotion themes into nursing practice. Taking responsibility for safeguarding the welfare of children, adults, and families under their care, they will adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Maintaining accurate patient documentation and providing high-quality patient information, the incumbent will exhibit leadership skills when required, collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams and offering guidance to junior staff. They will also demonstrate an understanding of and contribute to the strategic and business planning process for the clinical area, mindful of budget constraints and cost-effective practices. Seeking opportunities for personal and professional development, they will engage constructively in performance reviews and appraisals, facilitating the learning objectives of junior staff through effective teaching principles. Contributing significantly to the physical environment and risk management plan of the area, they will also participate in ongoing audits of infection control, while promoting health, safety, and security measures in accordance with relevant policies. Qualifications:   1st Level Registered Nurse (Diploma/1st Degree) Operating Department Practitioner If you're a proactive and compassionate practitioner looking to make a difference in healthcare, we want to hear from you. Join us and embark on a fulfilling career where your contributions truly matter. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel. 

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general nursing
mental health nursing

How to Go from an HCA to a Registered Nurse (RN)

​Healthcare assistants are integral to the sector's workforce, providing crucial care to patients nationwide. From washing and dressing patients to helping them move around, our health service only functions the way it does, thanks to our HCAs. ​However, some HCAs see becoming a registered nurse as the natural progression from their role, thanks to several factors we'll come onto in this article. But how easy is it to go from one position to the other? That's precisely what we're going to answer in today's post. ​​First, though, let's look at both roles in more detail.What is a Healthcare Assistant?​Healthcare assistants help in hospitals, medical centres, GP surgeries and community settings with various health-related activities; these include changing patients' beds, taking patient observations (like their temperature), and even providing patients with company and emotional support. ​​It is a broad, all-encompassing and gratifying role, with an estimated 150,000 HCAs thought to be working in the UK (as of April 2021).What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?Registered nurses work in many different healthcare settings. Their roles include monitoring patients' conditions, administering medications and treatments, working collaboratively with doctors to deliver care plans, taking blood, addressing wounds and setting up drips. Their scope of practice is broader and more complex than that of HCAs.There are over 730,000 registered nurses in the UK on the permanent Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. So, what's the difference between the two professions?What's the Difference Between an HCA and a Nurse?The significant differences between the two roles are as follows:Qualifications. Becoming an HCA doesn't require any formal qualifications – though certain GCSEs can help – whilst a career in nursing requires either a degree or an on-the-job degree apprenticeship.  Career progression. There are limited opportunities for career growth as an HCA, while there are significant opportunities for nurses to progress to roles with greater responsibilities and positions in non-clinical settings. Pay. The difference in pay between the two professions is typically significant. HCAs earn less than nurses, and it'snot uncommon to see a difference in income of roughly £10,000 between salaries. Whereas HCAs are typically employed at Band 2 (or Band 3 for more senior HCAs), RNs typically start at Band 5. Transitioning from an HCA to a Registered Nursing Position – The Options​The greater responsibility and clinical scope, the option to progress more from a career perspective, and the elevated pay are all driving factors behind why some HCAs decide to become registered nurses. ​​There are three routes that an HCA can take on their journey toward becoming a registered nurse.1) A Traditional Nursing Degree​This is usually three years if completed full-time; however, some universities like the Open University offer part-time study so that working HCAs can continue to whilst they study. ​​Funding for a university degree can be secured through a government-provided student loan from the Student Loans Company (of up to £9,250 per year) or with the help of an NHS training grant of up to £5,000 per academic year (NHS Learning Support Fund).2) A Registered Nurse Degree ApprenticeshipThese qualifications (which take three to four years, depending on the provider's program) combine academic learning with on-the-job training. ​Entry requirements vary from provider to provider, but as a minimum will require grade C/4 GCSEs in Maths and English and an enhanced DBS check, and many will also require a minimum number of UCAS tariff points, and qualifications from higher levels in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (e.g. Relevant A-levels or a BTEC in Health and Social Care). It all depends on the education provider, in question.Upon completion, HCAs will receive a BSc (Hons) degree in Nursing and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Whilst training, apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage for apprentices in their first year (which is £5.28 per hour) and then the National Minimum Wage from the second year through to the completion of their apprenticeship (which is currently £10.42 per hour for those aged 23 and over).3) Nursing Associate​Training to become a registered nursing associate is somewhat like the training for a nursing degree apprenticeship. It can be thought of as the halfway house between being an HCA and a fully registered nurse. Becoming a nursing associate takes two years and leads to a foundation degree qualification once finished. ​Qualified registered nursing associates (RNAs) are typically employed at Band 4, reflecting their midway position between HCAs and RNs. The average pay for an RNA sits around the £25,000 to £27,500 mark. For context, the starting salary for Band 5 is almost £28,500.​​Other Things to ConsiderA Big CommitmentEnrolling in a university degree or degree apprenticeship is a significant undertaking. You'll already have good organisational skills being an HCA. However, strong time management is critical to sustainably balance work, studies and your personal life on top of that.Funding OptionsSuppose you're ineligible for funding from the Student Loans Company or the NHS. In that case, it's worth looking into bursaries and scholarships offered by other parties, like the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). It's also worth exploring whether the university you're studying with provides any additional financial support.Additional ResponsibilitiesBecoming an RN brings with it added responsibilities that HCAs don't have. This is one of the reasons many HCAs want to progress in the first place, however, it's worth remembering some of those extra duties here:Clinical decision-making Crafting care plans More advanced procedures Greater ethical responsibilities Detailed patient record-keepingFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Can a Registered Nurse Work as a Healthcare Assistant?Nothing stops RNs from working as HCAs should they wish, provided they only take on the duties explicitly specified in the job description. Registered nurses most commonly take on HCA work as supplemental part-time work for some extra money.What is the Career Progression for a Health Care Assistant?If an HCA stays down the healthcare assistant pathway, they can advance to become senior healthcare assistants or assistant practitioners. If HCAs want to go the nursing route, they can study to become a registered nursing associate (RNA) or registered nurse (RN).What Band are HCAs?Typically, HCAs are employed in Band 2, though more senior HCAs can progress up to Band 3.Browse Our HCA and Nursing Roles, Today!​So, can a healthcare assistant become a nurse? Absolutely, they can! In fact, their experience in healthcare settings can give them a significant advantage over those going into the sector completely fresh because they already have a good understanding of everything.  ​​If you're after an HCA or nursing role, don't hesitate to contact us – we'd love to hear from you!​​​​​​

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general nursing

NHS makes plans for winter

​New measures to deal more effectively with winter pressures include care ‘traffic control’ centres, more Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs and extra hospital beds.These plans represent the next phase of development in the NHS Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, which was published in January. This included commitments to increase capacity, grow the healthcare workforce, speed up discharge from hospitals, expand new services in the community and improve access to care. Care ‘traffic control’ centres Every day there are more than 12,000 patients who remain in hospital despite being medically fit for discharge, taking up valuable time of nurses and other healthcare staff. Bringing together NHS staff such as occupational therapists with social care, housing and voluntary sector representatives, the centres provide a one-stop hub for staff to locate and coordinate the best and fastest discharge options for patients. Care ‘traffic control’ centres are already operating for 12 hours a day, seven days a week in a quarter of local areas. The plan is for these services to be available in every area of the country by winter. Acute Respiratory Inspection Hubs It’s currently winter in Australia and the country is experiencing an exceptionally high level of seasonal flu. This could indicate that the NHS in England will be dealing with higher than usual levels of respiratory illness when winter arrives here. Acute Respiratory Inspection Hubs were first introduced last winter in response to the potential of COVID-19 and flu peaking together. The hubs offer patients same-day, face-to-face assessment for conditions such as COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), helping to speed up access to care and advice, while reducing pressure on GPs and hospital staff. More beds £250 million has been invested since the publication of the UEC Recovery Plan to boost capacity and speed up discharge. NHS hospitals are on track to deliver 5,000 additional ‘core’ permanent general and acute beds. More than 99,000 core beds will be in place across the country by December 2023. Record numbers of doctors and nurses Growing the workforce is at the heart of the UEC Recovery Plan and the wider NHS strategy to reduce waiting times and improve access to healthcare. NHS workforce statistics for May 2023 showed record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS. Compared to March 2022, there were over 5,400 more doctors and over 12,900 more people working in NHS nursing jobs. The government says it’s on target to meet its manifesto commitment of recruiting 50,000 more nurses by 2024. “We continue to make progress on strengthening the NHS and primary care workforce,” said Steve Barclay, Health and Social Care Secretary. “Cutting waiting lists is one of the government’s five priorities, so it is extremely promising to see record numbers of NHS doctors, nurses, midwives and nursing associates registered to practice in the UK to ensure patients get the care they need more quickly.”

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general nursing
doctors

Millions to get better access to GPs

​The government has published a new plan for primary care which aims to provide more streamlined access to family doctors and community nurses. The Delivery Plan for Recovering Access to Primary Care represents a commitment to tackle the 8am rush for GP and nurse appointments. Patients will be able to contact their general practice more easily and quickly, and find out exactly how their call will be handled on the day they call, based on clinical need and continuing to respect the preference of many patients for face-to-face appointments. If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. The role of GP practice receptionist will also be upgraded. GP receptionists will become expert ‘care navigators’, tasked with gathering information and making sure patients are directed to the most suitable healthcare professional, as well as helping to simplify and streamline the process of accessing healthcare support. Investing in technology As part of the new plan, £240 million of funding will be re-targeted to enable GP practices to embrace the latest technology, replacing old analogue phone systems with hosted digital solutions which offer advanced functionality such as call waiting and instant messaging. There will also be major investment in new technology to help people stay healthy and manage their care without needing to see their GP. This includes investing in apps to remotely monitor patients with long-term conditions, enabling patients to self-refer to specialists for certain conditions, and rolling out existing NHS App functionality to 90% of GP practices by March 2024. Expanding pharmacy roles NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will expand the role of community pharmacy with an additional £645 million of investment. The Pharmacy First initiative would give pharmacists power to provide prescription-only medicines for seven common health conditions (sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women) without the need for the patient to visit a GP. DHSC will consult with the pharmacy sector on this proposed expanded role, which it’s estimated could significantly relieve pressure on GPs by saving up to 10 million appointments per year, as well as giving patients more choice in where and how they access care. “We are already making real progress with 10% more GP appointments happening every month compared to before the pandemic,” said Steve Barclay, Health and Social Care Secretary. “I want to make sure people receive the right support when they contact their general practice and bring an end to the 8am scramble for appointments. To do this we are improving technology and reducing bureaucracy, increasing staffing and changing the way primary care services are provided, which are all helping to deliver on the government’s promise to cut waiting lists.”

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general nursing
mental health nursing

NHS Workforce Plan promises to train, retain and reform

​Record levels of recruitment, staff retention and new ways of working are all part of a new strategy to address existing healthcare vacancies and meet the challenges of a growing and ageing population. The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is the first ever comprehensive strategy to make staffing sustainable and improve patient care. The plan includes a commitment to deal with workforce shortages by recruiting record numbers of doctors, nurses, dentists and other healthcare staff. It was commissioned and endorsed by the government, which has promised over £2.4 billion over five years to pay for additional education and training places, over and above existing funding commitments. “On the 75th anniversary of our health service, this government is making the largest single expansion in NHS education and training in its history,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. “This is a plan for investment and a plan for reform. In the coming years we will train twice the number of doctors and an extra 24,000 nurses a year, helping to cut waiting lists and improve patient care. And we will do more to retain our brilliant NHS staff and reform the way the health system works to ensure it is fit for the future.” Forward thinkingFor decades there has been an absence of strategic planning to ensure the NHS workforce is fit for purpose. This has limited the potential to make the most of the skills of those who work in frontline healthcare jobs. It has also hampered efforts to forecast future staffing needs and align them with financial planning so that recruitment levels are matched to demand. The new plan includes detailed modelling of NHS workforce demand and supply over a 15-year period, showing the resulting shortfall. It sets out the actions that will be taken in the coming years to address this shortfall in addition to, and building on, actions and investment already committed over the next two years. Supporting existing NHS staffAs well as the training and recruitment of new doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, there will also be a greater focus on supporting and retaining existing NHS staff. That means better opportunities for career development and improved flexible working options, as well as government reforms to the NHS pension scheme. Investment in new technology will also help to improve efficiency and free up staff to focus on using their skills and expertise in the most productive ways. This includes more funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI), with an expert group being set up to identify appropriate advanced technology which could make a real difference. “This is a truly historic day for the NHS in England,” commented NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard. “For 75 years, the extraordinary dedication, skill and compassion of NHS staff has been the backbone of the health service – and the publication of our first-ever NHS Long Term Workforce Plan now gives us a once in a generation opportunity to put staffing on sustainable footing for the years to come.”

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general nursing
social care

Improved cancer survival rates

​Three in four people with cancer survive for the first year after being diagnosed, with rates of survival for some cancers even higher. Published in April, NHS England’s one-year cancer survival index compares 2020 with 2005. The overall first-year survival rate has risen by 9% to 74.6%. The survival rate for breast cancer is around 97% and for bowel cancer it’s over 80%. “These figures are highly encouraging and support those released earlier this year which show improved survival rates across almost all types of cancer,” said Health Minister Helen Whately. “They are evidence of great strides being made by the NHS, scientists and our incredible cancer charities.” Earlier diagnosisDiagnosing cancer at an early stage is key to the improvement of survival rates and is at the heart of NHS England’s cancer strategy. As a result of high-profile ad campaigns and awareness drives, many more people are being tested for cancer. Almost 500,000 more patients were checked between March 2021 and October 2022, compared to the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost 550,000 more people were referred for cancer during this period, helping to reverse the drop in people being tested during the pandemic. In 2021-22, over 100,000 patients were diagnosed with cancer at stages one or two, when it’s much easier to treat. That’s the highest proportion ever. Since July 2021, 94 community diagnostic centres have opened across England, delivering 3.3 million checks, tests and scans. Nursing roles are vital in cancer careResearch shows that having good access to care from designated clinical nurse specialists could improve cancer patients’ chances of survival. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2022 examined data from over 99,000 people diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast or prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that there was strong evidence of the vital contribution that specialist nurses can make to cancer survival. As a result, they suggested that input and support from clinical nurse specialists should be available to all patients immediately after diagnosis. Involvement of allied health professionalsWith improved survival rates, many types of cancer are increasingly being seen as long-term conditions. This is resulting in more input in cancer care from allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and dietitians. They can provide personalised advice and support for patients to aid recovery and rehabilitation. They also provide a link with community, primary care, social care and other services. According to cancer support charity Macmillan, 30% of cancer patients have reported unmet needs after treatment for cancer which could benefit from rehabilitation services delivered by allied health professionals. The National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) aims to collect data on all cases of cancer that occur in people living in England. Find out more here.

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general nursing
news

£25 million for women’s health hubs

​A £25 million investment will provide more women’s health hubs, improving access to high-quality local care tailored to the needs of women. The expansion of the women’s health hub model across the country was encouraged in the Department of Health and Social Care’s Women’s Health Strategy for England, presented to parliament in August 2022. In March, Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay announced that £25 million would be invested over the next two years to accelerate the development of new women’s health hubs to benefit women across England and help to ease pressure on GPs and other frontline NHS services. What are women’s health hubs? The women’s health hub model focuses on delivering services in the community that better fit around women’s lives and streamline access to women’s health services, including help with menstrual issues, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care. The hubs aim to provide a more ‘joined up’ approach. Currently, women need to attend multiple appointments with family doctors and other healthcare professionals to get care for different problems. Women’s health hubs bring services together, for example offering consultations on management of contraception and heavy bleeding or combining cervical screening with other aspects of women’s preventative healthcare. What are the advantages? Improving the healthcare experience for women is the key benefit of women’s health hubs. In addition, by consolidating women’s healthcare in easy-to-access local hubs, the model takes pressure off GPs and those working in other frontline healthcare jobs, such as community nurses. Hubs can also deliver longer-term savings for the NHS and relieve pressure on hospitals by improving access to preventative care. What has been the reaction to the new funding? The expansion of the women’s health hubs model has been broadly welcomed by organisations representing healthcare professionals, including GPs and senior doctors. However, concerns have been expressed about existing workforce pressures and the impact this will have on recruitment. A joint statement has been issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health and the British Menopause Society. They call for investment in the training and development of the workforce to support delivery of the hubs. They also highlight the importance of workforce planning to ensure that hubs have the skills and healthcare roles needed to deliver high-quality care for all aspects of women’s health. “The RCGP welcomes the concept of the women’s health hub model and working closely with our secondary care and community colleagues to provide integrated services for women,” commented RCGP Chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne. “For there to be sustainable improvements in the treatment of women’s health, and harness the benefits of a flexible hub model, we need to see a focus on equipping primary care with funding, staffing capacity to allow us to use our skills and knowledge to consistently deliver high-quality care.”

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