Are quiet summers a thing of the past?

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?