Resources

Aesthetic tourism has increased exponentially since the lockdowns as a result of the Coronovirus pandemic. People seeking cosmetic procedures or surgeries often opt to travel abroad for various reasons, including cost-effectiveness, availability of advanced technologies, and sometimes a desire for privacy. However, the incidence of problem wounds experienced by medical tourists on returning to the United Kingdom has become a major cause for concern. This article discusses the experiences of a patient who had bariatric surgery abroad with no complications who then decided to have further surgery to remove excess skin following her dramatic weight loss. It highlights the complications which can occur, as well as the difficulties and problems faced by the patient upon their return to the UK.

Cervical screening checks the health of the cervix and can help to prevent and identify cervical cancer early to enable treatment to start. However, nearly a third of women are currently not participating in the screening programme so there is a strategic drive to increase this. To support an increase in uptake of smear tests, it is important to be aware of reasons why people do not attend. This literature review was undertaken to explore reasons why women do not participate in the cervical screening programme in the United Kingdom. Twelve studies were included in the review and thematic analysis was undertaken. The three themes identified were embarrassment and pain, knowledge, and health beliefs. Healthcare professionals, such as general practice nurses (GPNs), should be aware of potential factors which may prohibit attendance in order to encourage and increase engagement with the screening programme.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an ongoing decline of renal function which may progress quite rapidly or develop slowly over many years. Due to the nature of the disease, it is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a host of symptoms, comorbidities, high mortality and reduced quality of life. The majority of CKD patients will be identified in primary care. Once diagnosed, patients are likely to become increasingly frequent attenders within general practice. It is therefore useful to have an overview of the disease process and the multifaceted care needs of this specific patient group. General practice nurses (GPNs) are vital members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) who are well-placed to identify, monitor and provide ongoing support for the CKD patient.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common condition, occurring around the world and in varying degrees of severity. Diagnosis and treatment place a burden on health services and economies on a global scale. The disease, if left untreated, can lead to several complications, some of which can have long-lasting effects and a huge impact on the woman’s health and quality of life. This article gives an overview of signs and symptoms, treatment and complications, with a view to helping nurses and non-medical prescribers make an impact on outcomes for women affected by this unpleasant disease.

This article explores Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s (NHFT’s) innovative approach to addressing workforce challenges in the healthcare sector through apprenticeships and T-levels. NHFT offers various apprenticeship opportunities, ranging from entry-level healthcare support roles to pre-registration and post-registration nursing across different specialties. The article also looks at NHFT’s collaborations with local educational institutions and primary care training hubs to provide pathways for individuals who transitioned from different careers into nursing through apprenticeships. Additionally, the introduction of T-levels offers younger people practical experience in health care alongside classroom learning, opening pathways into nursing careers. The benefits of apprenticeships in providing financial support, practical experience, and career progression are highlighted. Overall, these alternative pathways play a crucial role in developing and retaining local healthcare professionals, addressing workforce challenges and reducing reliance on international recruitment.

It is exciting to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Journal of General Practice Nursing, to reflect on how far the journal has come and be part of its development for the future. I first
wrote for the journal in February 2016, looking back it’s a passionate article about the importance of our role in facilitating lifestyle change and health promotion. It still rings true
today and maybe has helped me to not feel cynical about the tidal wave of preventable disease we face in our daily work.

For most people, workplace ethical dilemmas involve relatively little soul-searching. Should they tell the boss that they used the company credit card to buy her birthday present on expenses? Is it wise to let their line manager know that he ought to invest in some  deodorant? And do they really need to tell HR that Darren from accounts tried to kiss them at the Christmas party?

A new report on palliative and end-of-life care in the community has been published by the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and Marie Curie.

The report by the two charities is based on a national survey of health and care staff undertaken in 2023. The majority of survey respondents were community nurses. The findings reflect how palliative and end-of-life care is delivered today, and shines a light on the challenges being faced by nurses. People at end of life need highquality
holistic care and support but worryingly, 9 out of ten respondents to the survey reported being unable to meet the needs of the people they care for, or those close to them, at least
in part.

In order to instil confidence in your patients, you yourself need to feel confident in the care you’re providing — including the products you use. 

This is why we’re publishing the results of a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy of Exufiber® with the market leading gelling fibre dressing, in exuding venous and mixed aetiology leg ulcers.

This clinical skills series — Think menopause — looks at menopause-related issues to help general practice nurses (GPNs) identify, assess and manage women whose day-to-day lives may be detrimentally affected by this stage in their life. Here, Sue Thomas, advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) based in Leamington Spa, looks at physical activity and the menopause. Sue is also the founder of a local menopause support charity, Action Menopause Warwickshire, which is free for ladies to attend  (https://actionmenopausewarwickshire.org.uk/).