Responsibility for public health nursing and midwifery leadership is based in the Department of Health and Public Health England (PHE). Viv Bennet acts as Director of Nursing and Midwifery and also as the government’s principal advisor on public health nursing.

But do we see PH as important? Is it something nurses readily embrace? It seems not...

Using suction to remove toxins or to stimulate wound perfusion is not new. However, the therapeutic use of mechanical negative pressure for wound management has developed exponentially over the past three decades, with a consequent rise in the number of therapies available. In this article, Sylvie Hampton guides us through the use of negative pressure.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with 7000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is the biggest gynaecological killer, resulting in 4300 deaths annually; this is more than cervical and womb cancer combined.

For women diagnosed in the UK, prognosis is poor - the 5 year survival rate is 43%. To improve survival rates there is the need to improve the recognition of symptoms, understand those who might be at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer and speed up diagnosis and referral to secondary care. 

In this article, Ovarian Action, a charity advising and caring for women with ovarian cancer, outlines the important role nurses can play in improving survival rates by raising awareness of the symptoms amongst patients and the general public in the primary care setting, and includes a case study of one woman's experience.

Gout is generally considered to be somewhat of an old-fashioned disease, conjouring up images of crusty and grumpy old colonels with very large bandages on their foot.

Unfortunately, 21st century life-styles and diets have seen it making something of a 'comeback'. In this article, Frank Booth outlines the signs and symptoms and provides a personal view of his experience.

In an effort to force NHS organisations to save money, the Government imposed a cap on agency staff spend. But is this the answer to the problem? Joan-Pons Laplana doesn't think so.
 

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose...

If you stay in nursing long enough, you'll see many changes, and you'll see many things turn full circle. Here, Sue Smith shares her reflections on change.

While many patient groups and organisations exist, it is rare to hear an unbiased view of care from a service user.

We at PCNR are fortunate enough to have such a voice; David Gilbert, currently Patient Director at Sussex MSK Partnership and Director of InHealth Associates, is a former mental health service user with 25 years experience in patient/user and public engagement at local, national and international level.

Over future issues we will include David's blog, and in issue 8, an article from David explaining his role as Patient Director. Here, David outlines 'The Patient's Dozen', 12 issues important to patients and carers.

Are well all getting that little too self-centred? Getting cross when we have to pull over for an ambulance? Angry when 'a passenger is taken ill' on the train, causing a delay? Feeling that although I am a registered nurse, I can't stop to give assistance else I wil be sued...?

In this opinion piece, Brian Booth outlines his personal expereince and poses a question for the reader.

At the end of May, the winners of the Mölnylcke Health Care Wound Academy Scholarship were announced at a luncheon held at the Royal Opera House on the 28th May.

This article, adapted from the Molnlycke Health Care Wound Academy Bulletin (July 2015), outlines the winning entries.

The Spark is an inspiring three hour event hosted by local catalysts for change hosted in a community space for up to 100 people who are passionate about the future of health and social care services.

Joan-Pons Laplana explains more and outlines how you can get involved

Revalidation, due to be implemented in 2016, will affect all Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registrants.  Revalidation is the new process by which all nurses and midwives every three years, will declare and demonstrate that they remain fit to practise.  As a consequence, it is the most important change to NMC regulation since the introduction of the post-registration education (Prep) standards in 2001.   It is an exciting prospect, but some people consider it daunting: it need not be. 

In this article, David Foster outlines what it means for you.

To paraphrase Supertramp, ..'it came all the way from America...'

The Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTiP) is essentially a planned trade pact currently being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA). If it comes to fruition it will become the world’s largest bi-lateral trade agreement.

The central objective of TTiP is to remove regulatory barriers to trade for big business including food safety law, consumer protection standards, environmental legislation and the sovereign powers of individual states.

In this article, Daniel Legg outlines what this means for the NHS

Revalidation for nurses and midwives is achievable, desirable and realistic, according to initial findings from 19 revalidation pilot sites across the UK. More than 2,100 participants from a range of health and social care settings took part in the pilots earlier this year and many felt that revalidation was a positive experience.

(From NMC.org.uk)

Look inside for a round-up of what's happening in Norther Ireland that's pertinant to nuses

'The Queen’s Nursing Institute welcomes the publication of ‘Safely Home’ by Healthwatch England.

(From QNI.org.UK)

Woundcare4heroes charity was founded in 2012 with a mission to bridge the gap of trauma aftercare services to provide lifelong care pathways and a single point of contact for veterans transitioning into our NHS following injury during military service.

Wcare4H have spent almost four years exploring the needs for veteran trauma aftercare services, raising awareness amongst practitioners and the veteran community, developing care and wound prevention pathways, providing clinical services, education and advice to healthcare practitioners, veterans and their families. 

People who are in their final days of life in hospital should be assisted to receive hydration, according to a draft guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 

(From RCNi)

The European Medicines Agency has launched a review into the safety of medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors that are used to treat type 2 diabetes.

(From RCNi)

NICE’s latest guideline aims to improve survival rates and reduce variation in the care of patients with melanoma, currently the fastest growing form of cancer.

(From NICE.org.uk)

Outdated treatment, uncertain funding and failure to battle big causes of cancer – with one in five people still smoking – blamed for unnecessary suffering

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has just published new guidelines aimed at helping to improve employee health and wellbeing. The guidance supports a leadership model which promotes the wellbeing of employees, informed by an understanding of the role corporate culture can play in this

Scottish exhibition organiser, QD Events, are delighted to announce the launch of a new event with the twofold aim of offering advice, support and information for individuals living with disability or a long-term condition, and providing learning, product knowledge and networking opportunities for healthcare professionals in Scotland.

This month's selection of Tweets and other items which caught our attention. 

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