Is it still acceptable to have 10 minutes for GPN consultations?

Abstract
It saddens me to hear that in 2024 some GPNs are still having to argue with their practice managers/employers to extend appointment times.
I'm sure some will say yes; for a B12 injection, blood pressure checks and flu/COVID vaccinations.
However, we all know this blanket approach is no longer acceptable. The role of the GPN has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in healthcare delivery, technological advancements, and shifting patient needs. With increasingly complex health and social care problems, appointment times need to reflect these changes.
It saddens me to hear that in 2024 some GPNs are still having to argue with their practice managers/employers to extend appointment times.
Current BMA standards for a session of GP care is 4 hours 10 minutes. No more than 3 hours of this should be spent in consultation with patients, including adequate rest breaks as extending sessions beyond this time risks harm to patients and clinicians. The BMA also recommend practices take immediate measures to move to 15 minute appointments as permitted by the GMS contract. But what about GPNs?
The RCN recommends 20 minutes for childhood immunisations and although information from NHS for women to attend their smear appointment suggests 10mins, I would strongly recommend you adopt the information from Jo's Trust, which endorses 30 mins for a smear. This is an opportunity to have open conversations such as: breast awareness, sexual health, libido, domestic violence, rape, smoking cessation or give yourself time to add sample data to your own tracker as recommended guidance.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Practice Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for general practice nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Limited access to clinical or professional articles
-
New content and clinical newsletter updates each month