Preparations for a possible second wave of COVID-19 this winter are well underway. While the Government works with primary and secondary care to ensure the NHS can cope with increased demands in case of an escalation in COVID-19 infections, public health is also at the forefront of the response. Practice nurses, as always, have a key role to play in this.
The rollout of an extended flu vaccination scheme will be crucial to managing demands on the NHS this winter. The aim is to vaccinate over 30 million people this year—more than double last year's number. While flu vaccination is always important, this year the efforts of practice nurses could have a huge impact on the nation's health. Reducing flu cases will free up capacity elsewhere in the NHS, not to mention keep the informal care that is provided by family members going—something that is often forgotten about but is key to managing pressure on social care. Practices will need to come up with creative ways to administer these extra doses of vaccine and we eagerly await more details on the programme from the four nations so planning can begin in earnest.
The nation's weight problem is also being targeted in response to COVID-19. Around two-thirds of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, and obesity prevalence is highest among the most deprived groups in society. Being overweight or obese has been shown to be a risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes, and losing weight is one of the few modifiable risk factors for COVID-19. Aside from COVID-19, it has been suggested that if everyone who is overweight or living with obesity in the population lost just 2.5kg (one-third of a stone), it could save the NHS £105 million over the next 5 years (Department of Health and Social Care, 2020). The government strategy will introduce legislation to restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar or salt, ban advertising of junk food on TV before 9pm, and introduce a new campaign with advice on how to lose weight and keep it off. Importantly, they will also offer all Primary Care Networks the opportunity to equip their staff to become healthy weight coaches though training delivered by Public Health England. I suggest that practice nurses are well-placed to lead on this health promotion work, as it builds on the skills that are already used daily in general practice.
Nurses have been excluded from the pay review for public sector workers, but as practice nurses work hard to ensure a healthier population—and save the NHS money—perhaps now is finally the time for central government to consider the problems surrounding pay in general practice and realise the value of those working outside of the NHS.