Deprescribing: Just Because It Was Appropriate Then… It Might Not Be Now

Deprescribing in my opinion can be more important than the act of prescribing but what does this involve? Deprescribing is a term first used in 2003 and is defined by deprescribing.org as ‘planned and supervised process of dose reduction or stopping of medication that might be causing harm or no longer be of benefit’. Deprescribing […]
Should We Use Alcohol Swabs Before Injections? A Look At The Arguments

At the beginning of November 2024, it was reported in the news that 77-year-old, Patricia Lines, had sadly died shortly after receiving a Vitamin B12 injection the year before, in October 2023. On the day following the injection, she had become unwell and was admitted to hospital with a confirmed Group A Streptococcus infection. She […]
Supporting Families Through Baby Loss: A Guide for Primary Care Professionals During Baby Loss Awareness Week

Globally, the loss of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth remains a difficult topic to discuss, often surrounded by silence. Unfortunately, this silence can sometimes be linked to feelings of stigma or shame, which need to be addressed openly. According to the Office for National Statistics, in the UK, there were over 4,500 baby deaths […]
World Mental Health Day 2024: Mental Health in Primary Care

In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2024, it’s crucial to highlight the vital role primary care plays in addressing and supporting mental health. What the data tells us: The vast majority (up to 90%) of depressive and anxiety disorders that are diagnosed are treated in primary care (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence […]
Essential First Aid: A Guide for Primary Care Nurses

The term ‘first aid’ covers a broad spectrum of skills, from managing minor injuries to performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Mastering essential first aid skills and understanding why we do things can prevent complications and even save lives. What is First Aid? First aid is the immediate care provided to someone in need of medical attention. […]
Shingles Vaccination: Where Are We Now?

Shingles, a painful and often debilitating condition, remains a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. While the UK vaccination programme has dramatically reduced the incidence of shingles and its complications, there is still much work to be done to protect vulnerable populations. We have now reached the […]
Can Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) Administer RSV Vaccines?

As the importance of vaccinations continues to grow, especially in the wake of increasing awareness around respiratory viruses, questions often arise about who is legally and practically able to administer vaccines. One VERY common question at the moment is whether healthcare assistants (HCAs, also know as Healthcare Support Workers or HCSWs) can administer the RSV […]
Flu Vaccination: Prioritising Clinical Risk Groups

As healthcare professionals, safeguarding public health is at the heart of what we do, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of infectious diseases like influenza. The NHS Flu Vaccination Programme is a critical initiative designed to protect the most vulnerable populations through targeted vaccination efforts. Prioritising clinical risk groups for vaccination is essential […]
RSV Vaccine rollout: What is it and why do we need it?

Not another vaccine, you say? Yes, and here’s why: The UK is set to introduce and roll out a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine — and for all the right reasons. As the first country in the world to have a national programme using the same vaccine to protect both its youngest and oldest […]
(Pregnant) Women and Children First: Optimising Flu Vaccine Protection

Before you ask, no, we haven’t gone back in time…it’s still 2024 and despite it being the middle of the summer, we are in fact, fast approaching the flu season! The NHS England has now confirmed the start dates for the 2024/25 flu vaccine programme with two main risk groups prioritised for the initial rollout; […]