General Nursing Jobs
Are you a registered nurse looking for the latest general nursing jobs? If so, you’re in just the right place.
As an on-framework agency with over 150 NHS trusts and private healthcare providers as clients, we’re never short of general nursing jobs. No matter what band you’re on, we’re confident we’ll find you the perfect role.
Why? Because our clients rely on us to find them registered general nurses; from staff nurses, nurse practitioners, right through to directors of nursing.
Each client of ours - your potential future employer - trusts us to make the ideal match every time. This means you’ll only ever be recommended jobs that are perfect for you.
You let us know where you want to work, and together we’ll make it happen. The choice is yours.
With Sanctuary Health as your nursing agency, you’ll never be short of recommended jobs.
Find your next general nursing job with Sanctuary and apply today!
Our latest General Nursing Jobs
Clinical Nurse Special...
Jersey
£65,118.72 - 69,204.41 per year
Job Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology Team Location: Jersey Type: Permanent Shift Pattern: Full time Salary: £65,118.72 - £69,204.41 per annum Join our client's dynamic team and embark on a fulfilling career journey where you'll have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. They believe in a collaborative work culture where every individual is empowered to make a difference. Sanctuary Personnel are currently seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our client's team. In this role, you will work autonomously as a highly specialised clinical resource, providing expert care, advice, and support to service users, their families, carers, and healthcare professionals. You will take on both professional and managerial responsibilities, ensuring the governance, quality, and safety of service users within our specialist service. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Management: Lead practice and service redesign initiatives based on feedback and evaluation. Provide clinical advice and support to colleagues for practice and service improvement. Evaluate practice through clinical audit and participate in service and team evaluations. Advocate for service users and communicate any concerns regarding potential risks. Research & Audit: Utilise audit to evaluate service provision and implement improvements. Benchmark service provision against national standards and guidelines. Critically appraise relevant research to improve clinical practice. Ensure compliance with legislative and professional regulatory requirements. Clinical Practice: Demonstrate personal and professional autonomy in delivering specialised holistic care. Manage own caseload and conduct comprehensive assessments. Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated care. Communicate sensitive information effectively to service users, families, and carers. Education: Act as a role model, educator, and mentor to develop confidence in others. Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of education and learning activities. Support the development of policy, clinical guidelines, and service development. Person Specification: Qualifications Registered Nurse with current NMC registration. Degree or Level 6 qualification in the relevant specialty. Recognised teaching qualification. Pursuing a Master's (Level 7) professional qualification related to the specialty. Intermediate Life Support (ILS) certification. Master's level qualification in the appropriate specialty. Independent Prescribing Qualification (e.g. NMC v300). Knowledge Personal portfolio demonstrates updated knowledge of clinical, managerial, and educational aspects of contemporary practice, aligned with revalidation standards. Adheres to the 4 Pillars of specialist practice: Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education, Research. Understands clinical and human factors in delivering safe nursery practice. Possesses expert-level knowledge of Governance and Risk frameworks necessary for safe service user care. Familiar with local and international nursing agendas/strategies related to the specialty. Technical/Work-Based Skills Able to engage, motivate, and support individuals to maintain high standards. Maintains composure under pressure, exercises initiative, and makes informed decisions. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across various mediums and levels, even in challenging environments. Up-to-date knowledge and application of best practices, including understanding and adherence to NMC 'The Code'. Competent in SACT, venepuncture, phlebotomy, and care of central lines. General Skills/Attributes Proficient in IT and keyboard skills. Possesses strong reasoning skills and problem-solving abilities. Organised with effective time management, adaptable, and self-motivated. Capable of delivering effective verbal and written presentations. Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and acts as a professional leader and role model. Experience Minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience, including evidence of leading a multi-professional team. Extensive experience engaging with patients, motivating, and maintaining high standards. Demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding protocols and leadership experience. Experience implementing, managing, and effecting changes in clinical practice. Proficient in clinical governance, clinical audit, and enhancing service users' experience. Skilled in conducting supervision sessions with staff. Evidence of delivering training/education to a broad range of professionals. Experience in effective staff management and overseeing a ward/area/department. Why Join Our Client: Opportunities for career development and learning. Exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas. A collaborative and supportive work environment. Join us and be part of a team where your contributions make a real difference in the lives of others. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel to start your rewarding career journey with us.
Apply now
Head of Health & Wellb...
Jersey
£104,389.51 - 115,311.33 per year
Job Title: Head of Health & Wellbeing Location: Jersey Type: Permanent Salary: £104,389.51 - £115,311.33 per annum Join our client in a dynamic environment where your career aspirations can flourish. They promote a culture of mutual support and collaboration, empowering each individual to make a difference. Here, you'll encounter numerous avenues for personal and professional growth, acknowledging the significance of your well-being. Job Overview: Sanctuary Personnel are seeking a Head of Children’s Health and Wellbeing for our client. This role presents a distinctive opportunity to lead mental health and neurodevelopmental services for children, young people, and families in Jersey amidst substantial investment and growth. The ideal candidate will be a qualified professional with extensive experience in service leadership and development. They should possess innovative and creative leadership qualities, dedicated to enhancing outcomes, and have a proven history of collaborative service shaping. Job Purpose: In this role, you will lead, direct, and manage departmental services aimed at promoting children's welfare, physical, and mental health across various service levels. Your focus will be on delivering services that support parents, families, and children, with a clear objective of improving outcomes and fostering an inclusive culture of support for all children. Statutory Responsibilities: You will ensure compliance with relevant laws, including the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989, and uphold data protection regulations. Additionally, you'll manage procurement, financial, and administrative procedures in line with legislative requirements. Job Specific Outcomes: Develop and implement targeted support services for parents, carers, and families to enhance outcomes for children with complex needs. Oversee a spectrum of services, from early help to specialised treatment, addressing various physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Establish clinical and professional governance structures to ensure safe practice and service delivery. Provide training and support initiatives to aid children's inclusion in universal services. Lead the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to deliver high-quality therapeutic interventions. Engage stakeholders in service planning and design, fostering participation and feedback mechanisms. Manage service-user enquiries and complaints, ensuring confidentiality and effective communication. Cultivate strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver integrated health services. Qualifications: Professional qualification in social work or relevant clinical discipline, with registration with the appropriate regulatory body. Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and good practices in integrated health services. Proficiency in IT skills and possession of an Enhanced DBS check. General Skills/Attributes: Ability to drive and implement change effectively. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities. Leadership, organisational, and administrative proficiency. Experience: Significant experience in managing services for children in education, social care, or health settings. Hands-on experience in delivering operational services to children and leading teams. Involvement in policy development and strategic planning in Children’s Services, Health, or Early Intervention. Demonstrated success in managing high-performing teams and implementing safeguarding policies. Join a diverse and inclusive environment where you'll collaborate with experts from various fields, fostering continuous learning and career development. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a platform for new perspectives and exciting opportunities for growth. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel.
Apply now
Consultant Nurse - Men...
Jersey
£75,880.18 - 85,476.52 per year
Sanctuary Personnel, a dedicated and award-winning recruitment agency with a TrustPilot score of 4.9/5 and nearly 1000 reviews is currently looking for an experienced and dedicated Consultant Nurse to work in Jersey on a full-time basis. The salary for this permanent Consultant Nurse job is £75,880.18 - £85,476.52 per annum. Main Duties: Exhibit expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, exercising a high level of autonomy. Manage a designated caseload, conduct investigations and diagnoses, and develop treatment plans based on advanced theoretical and practical knowledge derived from evidence-based practices, while considering patient preferences, cost-effectiveness, and environmental factors. Take responsibility for caseload management, handling highly complex cases and formulating multidisciplinary care and treatment plans to achieve benchmarked clinical outcomes and ensure a positive patient experience. Practice within a clinical governance framework, ensuring that clinical practice and care standards are established, benchmarked, and audited to provide the highest quality of care. Lead and participate in clinical decision-making within the acute adult mental health multidisciplinary team, providing expert clinical advice, information, education, and support to foster cohesive, respectful, and person-centered relationships. Utilise expert knowledge of clinical conditions and pathways to refer or guide patients to the most appropriate practitioner or service. Conduct detailed clinical assessments of patients, confirming treatment options and obtaining informed consent before proceeding with treatment. Continuously enhance expertise, skills, and capabilities to maintain recognition as a clinical expert and contribute to the department's and organization's reputation. Lead and support the ward nursing team in managing highly complex clinical situations and initiating treatment for patients experiencing clinical deterioration. Communicate highly complex and sensitive information to patients and carers effectively, demonstrating excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Requirements of the Consultant Nurse: Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration. Minimum of 5 years of experience at a senior level. Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice or equivalent, incorporating the four pillars of Advanced Practice. Nationally accredited Independent Prescriber qualification with the relevant regulator or a willingness to pursue. Intermediate Life Support (ILS) certification. Completion of supervision/leadership/mentoring training or qualification. Demonstrated recent and ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within the relevant field of practice. Post-registration specialist training/course at the master's level relevant to acute mental health care. Contact: This Consultant Nurse job is advertised by Craig Osborne; if you are interested in this position please click above to apply now. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, regretfully we are only able to respond to candidates who meet our clients' requirements. As a pioneer of diverse recruitment, Sanctuary Personnel is proud to encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds as our pool of candidates is very much reflective of the clients that candidates will support within their role. This very much played a significant in previously winning ‘Best Candidate Care’ at the Recruiter Awards as well being a two-time finalist for the same award. Sanctuary takes great pride in building candidate and client relationships that promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). With recruitment consultants and all other employees undertaking annual online training on EDI and many other compliance training courses, Sanctuary is best placed to undertake a fair and thorough selection process. 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.
Apply now
Registered General Nur...
Cardiff
Negotiable
Looking to take your nursing career to new heights? Look no further than Sanctuary Personnel, an esteemed and award-winning recruitment agency. With a TrustPilot score of 4.9/5 and nearly 1000 reviews, we are dedicated to connecting with talented healthcare professionals like you. We have an exciting locum opportunity for a Registered General Nurse (RGN) with UK experience to join our team. Location: Cardiff Pay rate (Assignment rate): Negotiable Contract Length: 3-Months At Sanctuary Personnel, we value your skills and expertise. As a trusted agency, we offer numerous benefits to enhance your career journey: 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 General 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 Nurses you can refer. Professional Development: Working as a locum General 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. Requirements for the Registered General Nurse role: Degree or equivalent in Nursing (RGN qualified) with active NMC Registration (Adult) Recent nursing experience in the UK Join us in making a difference in the healthcare sector. This Registered General Nurse position is advertised by William Copeland. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, click above to apply now. We welcome applications from Registered General Nurses who meet the specified requirements. While we regretfully can only respond to candidates who fulfill these criteria, we encourage you to explore our open roles that may be better suited to your skills and aspirations. At Sanctuary Personnel, we believe in inclusivity and diversity. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please inform us at the earliest opportunity. We are committed to providing the necessary support throughout your journey with us.
Apply now
Senior Staff Nurse - E...
Jersey
£48,986.64 - 55,293.84 per year
Sanctuary Personnel, a dedicated and award-winning recruitment agency with a TrustPilot score of 4.9/5 and nearly 1000 reviews is currently looking for an experienced and dedicated Senior Staff Nurse to work in Jersey on a full-time basis. The salary for this permanent Senior Staff Nurse job is £48,986.64 - £55,293.84 per annum. Main Duties: Assume responsibility for safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, adults, and families under their care, adhering to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Maintain precise patient documentation and deliver high-quality patient information. Demonstrate leadership capabilities, directing the team as necessary, while fostering collaborative teamwork within the multi-disciplinary setting. Promote team objectives and provide effective supervision to junior staff members. Pursue opportunities for professional development, actively engaging in the Performance Review and Appraisal System, and taking ownership of lifelong learning. Support junior staff in identifying and achieving learning objectives through teaching and learning principles, contributing significantly to the physical environment and the development of the Risk Management Plan. Contribute to ongoing infection control audits within the clinical area, participating in all aspects of flexible scope decontamination according to policies. Fulfill various roles within the endoscopy theatre, employing specialist equipment to ensure safe patient outcomes. Participate in an on-call rota as required. Conduct telephone and face-to-face pre-assessments for patients scheduled for endoscopic procedures, accurately documenting medical and social history. Coordinate with team members to organize patient pre-procedure care, adhering to pre-assessment guidelines and policies set by BSG and JAG. Requirements of the Senior Staff Nurse: Registered Nurse at 1st Level with active NMC Registration. Teaching and Mentorship qualification. Minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience in general nursing. Comprehensive understanding of the NMC Code (2018). Strong communication and teamwork skills. Proficiency in basic keyboard skills. Contact: This Senior Staff Nurse job is advertised by Craig Osborne; if you are interested in this position please click above to apply now. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, regretfully we are only able to respond to candidates who meet our clients' requirements. As a pioneer of diverse recruitment, Sanctuary Personnel is proud to encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds as our pool of candidates is very much reflective of the clients that candidates will support within their role. This very much played a significant in previously winning ‘Best Candidate Care’ at the Recruiter Awards as well being a two-time finalist for the same award. Sanctuary takes great pride in building candidate and client relationships that promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). With recruitment consultants and all other employees undertaking annual online training on EDI and many other compliance training courses, Sanctuary is best placed to undertake a fair and thorough selection process. 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.
Apply now
Sister/Charge Nurse
Jersey
£56,972.03 - 60,931.11 per year
Job Title: Sister/Charge Nurse Location: Jersey Type: Permanent Shift Pattern: Full time Salary: £56,972.03 - £60,931.11 per annum Sanctuary Personnel are seeking a Sister/Charge Nurse to join a dynamic healthcare environment where your career aspirations can flourish. Our client advocates a culture of mutual support and collaboration, empowering each individual to contribute meaningfully. Opportunities abound for personal and professional growth, acknowledging the significance of your well-being. Job Overview: An exciting opportunity awaits for a Grade 5 Sister/Charge Nurse to join our client's welcoming team. With a minimum of 2 years' nursing experience, the ideal candidate will embrace the challenge of supporting a new medical ward, demonstrating a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Exceptional communication and leadership skills are essential, as is the ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary framework. Flexibility, forward-thinking, and adaptability are key attributes for success. As an inclusive employer, our client offers flexible working arrangements to attract and retain diverse talent. The hospital boasts an education department in partnership with a UK university, generously funding academic development opportunities, from BSc to Doctorate levels. Relocating to Jersey? This presents an exciting prospect, supported by relocation assistance and a comprehensive financial package, including family relocation support. Job Purpose: This role spans various clinical areas within acute and community services. Responsibilities include planning, delivering, and evaluating care for patients with diverse conditions, while contributing to the enhancement of clinical services through skill development and expertise in key areas. Collaboration with colleagues across departments ensures seamless patient care continuity, with the incumbent serving as a role model for peers, patients, and families. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will provide leadership, promote evidence-based practice, and support managers in both clinical and managerial capacities. Key Responsibilities: Adherence to NMC Code guidelines to maintain trust and credibility. Contribution to specialty services through effective clinical leadership. Upholding clinical standards and directing care teams as necessary. Maintenance of accurate patient documentation and high-quality client information. Budget management to ensure resource efficiency and value for money culture. Development and maintenance of education plans for individuals and teams. Implementation of infection control measures and safeguarding procedures. Qualifications: Essential: 1st Level Registered Nurse and NMC Registration Desirable: Knowledge of local policies; Teaching/Mentorship/Assessment of Learning in Practice or equivalent Skills and Experience: Essential: Professional, clinical knowledge at degree level; Excellent written and verbal communication; Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team; Keyboard skills Essential: 2 years post-qualification experience in a specialty area Explore diverse opportunities for growth and development within Jersey and public service. We value diversity and welcome individuals from varied backgrounds, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. Embrace new perspectives and unlock your potential in an exciting and rewarding career journey. Apply now through Sanctuary Personnel.
Apply now
Blogs in General Nursing
.webp)
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 OptionsThe 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 DegreeThis 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 AssociateTraining 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!
Read more
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.”
Read more
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.”
Read more
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.”
Read more
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.
Read more
£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.”
Read more
