Raising awareness of Mental Health challenges during the festive period

Our mental health is as important as our physical health in our daily lives. The state of our mental health influences everything – from our thoughts, actions and emotions. It can affect our relationships, our work, and even our physical health – but so many of us are uncomfortable talking about it and managing it, […]
Let’s be merry and mindful: raising awareness of increased drug and alcohol intake

The festive season is often a time of joy and celebration, however amongst the merriments, there can, unfortunately, also be an increase in drug and alcohol intake. As healthcare professionals, we are all too familiar with the challenges posed by drug and alcohol misuse. Employers also should have an awareness of the impact that increased […]
STIs: The gift no one wants this festive season

As the festive season nears, increased socialisation, alcohol consumption and lowered inhibitions can often lead to people undertaking more risky behaviours. In particular the importance of safe sex practices during this time can often be overlooked with a lack of awareness and consequences contributing to the increase in unprotected sexual encounters and rise in sexually […]
Cervical cancer prevention: what more can we do?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. In the UK, proactive measures have been implemented to reduce the impact of cervical cancer through cervical screening programmes and the introduction of the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. This has been shown to be a true game-changer, significantly reducing the […]
RSV vaccines: what’s the latest?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can affect people of all ages. It is particularly serious in infants and the elderly, leading to severe respiratory infections and is a major cause of hospitalisations in these age groups. In June 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended an immunisation programme […]
Boosting Flu Vaccine Uptake

The 2023-24 flu vaccine programme is now well underway, having commenced in schools and for those most at risk alongside the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 booster programme in early September 2023. Flu vaccines play a crucial role in helping to safeguard individuals, communities and in protecting our National Health Service (NHS). Healthcare professionals can all help […]
Sexual health in primary care and community pharmacy: positive developments and the challenges still faced

Sexual health is an important element in the overall physical health and mental health of an individual. Sexual contact can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications. The public need access to advice from health professionals who are knowledgeable about sexual health and […]
Confused about the Changes to the Autumn 2023 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme? All the Updates Explained.

As we approach the autumn of 2023, the NHS is gearing up for another round of COVID-19 vaccinations, but this time, there are some significant changes to the Covid-19 autumn vaccination programme that you should be aware of. In response to the evolving situation with new variants of the virus, the autumn vaccination programme has […]
How to keep up to date in Travel Health

As travel health professionals we have a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of our travellers whilst away. The field of travel health is fast paced and constantly evolving. With these rapid changes means that it is more important than ever to stay up to date. Why is it important to keep up […]
Preparing for your NMC nursing revalidation

Revalidation – it shouldn’t be a scary word or something as nurses we fear. If you keep on top of the requirements and are prepared, revalidation should be a breeze. In fact, we can even go so far as to say revalidation can be seen as a positive, constructive tool for self-evaluation, reflection and to […]