First, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to Alex Turnbull, our outgoing Practice Nursing editor, for all his hard work and dedication. We wish him every success in his new role—he will certainly be missed.
At the same time, we are excited to welcome Polly Moffat and Isobel Clough, our new editors at Practice Nursing. They are both eager to hear from you—your ideas, stories, or full articles. Your voice and experiences are what bring this journal to life, so please do get in touch by email at: pn@markallengroup.com.
I could not write this editorial without highlighting recent developments across the UK, shining a much-needed spotlight on the ongoing workforce challenges faced by general practice nurses (GPNs). With mounting pressures on recruitment, retention and, of course, pay, the conversation around the future of GPNs is more urgent than ever.
Encouragingly, the British Medical Association has included GPNs in the additional roles reimbursement scheme, marking a significant step in recognising this vital role. However, despite this positive move, many GPNs continue to experience issues around pay. In February 2025, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) revealed that, among 2000 GPNs surveyed in England, nearly one-third had not yet received the promised 6% pay rise for 2024–25 (RCN, 2025). This follows the RCN's long-standing call for more consistency in how pay and conditions are applied across the sector.
RCN representatives Jeni Watts and Kim Ball highlighted this issue, stating that GPNs are ‘repeatedly being left behind in matters of pay’, despite the ‘central’ role they play in the success of the wider NHS (Ford and Evans, 2025). These inconsistencies, they argued, were caused by variations in how pay, terms and conditions are applied. In contrast, Wales appears to be setting a positive example, recently approving funding for the 6% pay rise and quadrupling the number of student nurse placements in GP settings (Church, 2025). This investment in both the current and future workforce is an important step forward.
As we move further into 2025, these shifts reflect the ongoing evolution of the GPN role, bringing both opportunities and complexities. Supporting the nursing workforce through these changes, with fair pay, structured career pathways and consistent investment, must remain a national priority.
Let's continue to raise our voices, share our stories and support each other in shaping the future of general practice nursing. We look forward to hearing from you!