The trend for tattoos and body piercings has become increasingly popular in Europe and Western countries (Kluger, 2013). It has been estimated that 20% of the United Kingdom population has a tattoo and 10% of the adult population has a piercing of some kind, with a self-reported complication rate of 28% (Bone et al, 2008; White, 2012). It is therefore quite likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will encounter wound-related problems, such as infection, associated with tattoos and piercings during their day-to-day clinical practice. This article explores some of the complications that can arise and provides an overview of how to manage them effectively.
The influenza immunisation programme in the UK started in the 1960s and has since been extended to offer protection to those groups most vulnerable to the infection. The extension of the programme to children aims to directly protect them and reduce transmission of the virus to those around them. Early results from pilots run in England reveal reduction of influenza in areas where all primary school-age children were offered immunisation. Uptake among pre-school children has remained low in the first three years of the programme and there are opportunities to increase acceptance among parents. General practice nurses (GPNs) are among those most trusted in informing and reassuring parents about the benefits of immunisation. This article gives GPNs the background and rationale for the programme, and outlines supporting information available to assist them in this challenging and important role as an immuniser.
Perinatal mental health is a critically important part of understanding the journey of life. Pregnancy and childbirth are a time of great excitement and change, which impacts both personally and professionally on the vast majority of the population. For at least 20% of pregnant women, this life event will also bring emotional disturbances and for some it will have an effect on their mental wellbeing for years after the birth. Consequently, it is vital that healthcare professionals recognise the diversity of mental illness that can impact on the childbearing population, including the need to commission effective services and be aware of how best to support women, fathers and their families during this time. This is particularly relevant for general practice nurses (GPNs) and those working in community settings, as well as nurses and midwives working with women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or who have recently given birth.
In each issue of the journal we speak to general practice nurses and hear what they have to say about their role in primary care. Here, Kim Badcock talks about her special interest in dementia care.
Welcome to this latest issue of GPN, which we hope you enjoy reading. We are delighted to share our news with you and hope to see you learning with us soon. Please visit www.educationforhealth.org to find out more about us or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Improving the care of people in the early stages of dementia
Dementia diagnosis and care has become a national priority, for it is estimated that the number of people with dementia will double to 1.4 million by 2038. Linked to the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework — and delivered by expert clinicians with practical experience in dementia diagnosis and care — Education for Health’s one day workshop will help you to recognise the symptoms of dementia and to work with other providers to coordinate effective diagnosis and support.
In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing we investigate a topic currently affecting our readers. Here, Louise Ross, stop smoking service manager, Leicester, looks at: Nicotine: time for a rethink?
Anne Moger gives her views on the new national framework.
Professor Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England, officially launched Leading Change, Adding Value: a framework for nursing, midwifery and care staff on 18 May 2016. The event was held in London and live streamed, and with 1,200 devices linked in and connections through Twitter using the hashtag #Lead2Add the estimated reach to people participating globally was over 3.5million.
The framework follows the success of Compassion in Practice (NHS England, 2012) and positions all nursing, midwifery and care staff as leaders who will shape the actions needed to meet the challenges of today and the changing health and care landscape of the future. One of the great legacies created through Compassion in Practice is the 6Cs, and these will remain the foundation of our value base and central to reducing unwarranted variation.
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