Future-proofing practice nursing

In an effort to address the recruitment crisis facing practice nursing, NHS Leeds West CCG has set up a 12-month preceptee practice nurse pilot project. The project has received backing from the very top of the organisation with Philomena Corrigan, chief executive for NHS Leeds West CCG and a nurse by background, taking part in some practical elements of the scheme.

Practice nurses (PNs) have a specialist role delivering differentiated (routine) and undifferentiated (acute) care to patients from the cradle to the grave. Feedback from GP practices, nationally and locally, has made it clear there is a scarcity in the number of appropriately qualified PNs helping to provide key primary care services. We've all heard of the issues affecting general practice but at times the PN role is forgotten.