The management of venous leg ulceration can be problematic. Healing ultimately depends on correcting the underlying cause, namely venous incompetence. Debates continue on the most effective approach - compression, which can be a lengthy process and not always clinically appropriate, or surgery or stenting? Naturally, for some patients, surgery is not an option. But are we denying those who may benefit from such an approach? In this challening article, Professor Mark Whitely outlines why he believes that compression should only be an intermediary step.

Should nurses, male or female, have visible tattos? We could argue that one's visible appearance is not necessarily a reflection of ones knowledge, skills or caring ability. But we all have perceptions, as do our patients. Do tattos go against the ethos of our Code, which states we should look and behave as professionals when on or off duty, or is this nonsense as they are an acceptable body mutilation in the 21st century? Brian Booth gives us his thoughts.

If you watch any of the myraid cooking programmes, you'll probably know that presentation of the food is almost as important as taste. There seems to be a fashion in certain pubs and restaurants to serve meals on a roof tile, a wooden board, or a dustbin lid (I may have made that one up...). While we can but shudder at the infection control implications of such platters, are they merely pretentious, or do they help tempt us to eat? In this article, Sue reflects on a lesson learnt about plates....

Despite legislation to support staff and the requirements of our Code, many nurses remain reluctant to report issues of concern such as poor care, staff numbers or bullying. Why? The experiences of Eileen Chubb, outlined here, may hold the answer.