Where do I begin? So much has happened in the last few months: COVID-19 continues to cause concern – with staff absences causing issues again, monkeypox cases have been rising, flu season is just round the corner with flu vaccinations looming, the news of a new COVID-19 booster from Moderna for the upcoming booster programme to get to grips with and, for London general practice nurses (GPNs) only so far, polio vaccinations for 1–9-year-olds after an urgent booster programme was rolled out. Of course, for GPNs it is business as usual! It has never been more important to keep up to date with changes in general practice, even though it can feel overwhelming.
For the first time in years, the workload has not quietened down in August as it usually does. Yes, it could be me, post-menopausal of 14 years, with no aircon in a heatwave and, due to following infection prevention control, not a fan in sight. Or is it that the workload is increasing?
In the same week that I was a melting mess, I was busy discussing the impending flu season and the logistics of the COVID-19 vaccination programmes. Is everyone feeling prepared for winter? I'm not sure that I am, especially because winter is usually our busiest time.
With the high workload we are already facing, reports in the media (Mason, 2022) that general practice may be asked to assess whether people are struggling to pay their bills and, therefore, be eligible for help from the Treasury this winter seem unbelievable. There isn't capacity to take on this task, with RCGP chair Professor Martin Marshall saying: ‘Action does need to be taken to address this and minimise the impact of rising cost of living on people's health, something that will impact on our most vulnerable patients most. But this cannot fall to GPs and our teams to facilitate.’ Hopefully whoever is our new Prime Minister will recognise this is not the right thing to do to an already stretched general practice team.
I hope everyone has had a chance to have some time off work before the pressures of autumn and winter, giving yourselves the same respect, care and wellbeing that you give patients, their families and their carers.
How are you finding your workload at the moment? We would love to hear your thoughts, your stories, and your suggestions. As always, we welcome article ideas. I look forward to hearing from you at pn@markallengroup.com
‘Practice Nursing provides nurses working in general practice with the tools to reach their full potential and deliver the best possible care to their patients. Our monthly journal informs and inspires by providing up-to-date, evidence-based clinical articles, highlighting key professional issues and promoting the latest research in general practice.’