Asthma Week 38: The September Spike

RCN Congress - How We Can All Lead

Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2510699/open_sms] Leadership rarely arrives with a shiny title. It starts with a question, a nudge, and the courage to make a small change that helps a colleague or a patient. We share how emerging leadership in general practice nursing grows through everyday influence, builds through learning and mentorship, and finds its voice on national stages like RCN Congress. From the first steps on a leadership course to presenting to a room of hundreds, this conversation follows the real arc from nerves to impact. We dig into how structured development expands confidence and strategy: programmes like Nurses in Bloom and specialist practitioner qualifications give GPNs shared language, practical tools, and peer networks. That foundation makes service improvement less daunting and more deliberate. You’ll hear a case study on phenotesting moving from a part-time project to wider rollout aligned with national guidance—proof that evidence, partnership, and persistence can shift primary care pathways and reduce health inequalities. Congress takes centre stage as a crucible for nurse-led policy, where motions shape the agenda and lived experience guides decisions. We talk through funding support that removes barriers to attendance and why stepping up to the microphone can flip a mental switch. The takeaway is simple and actionable: influence beats authority, and leadership is contagious. If you’re a GPN, your voice matters—join a course, connect with your forum, and consider applying for one of the funded places at Congress in Liverpool, 18–21 May 2026, with applications due 7 December. If this conversation sparks something in you, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review telling us the first change you’ll lead this month. Your next step could inspire someone else’s first. RCN General Practice Forum - General Practice Nursing Forum | Royal College of Nursing [https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved/Forums/General-Practice-Nursing-Forum] RCN General Practice Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/RCNGeneralPracticeForum/  Attending Congress - Congress | Royal College of Nursing [https://www.rcn.org.uk/congress/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOCzutleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeRRGnZXdmCfHxhA1y4V7MH744VU4gEIK-ndYE2e0r8w-bGx_s23u3UPCoj5c_aem_3AF1sjVeBDU1VNx8v7rODQ] Application - Apply to becoming a voting member | Congress | Royal College of Nursing [https://www.rcn.org.uk/Congress/Voting-at-Congress/Apply-to-become-a-voting-member] Follow us on social media Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579625954418&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3h6QFgA47YQleNCj&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G27BX18vw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generallypracticing?igsh=NWw5OTZlcGZ4dXk4] We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

Contracts, Negotiation, and the Hidden Side of Being a GPN

Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2510699/open_sms] When I became a General Practice Nurse, I was focused on balance — weekends with my kids, a steadier rhythm. What I didn’t think about was maternity pay, bereavement leave, or what would happen as my role evolved. Fast-forward six years: I’ve had a third child, lost my mother, and realised just how important it is to understand, question, and even negotiate what’s written into our contracts. In this episode, I share my personal journey and invite every GPN — current or future — to look closely at their own terms of employment. Because contracts aren’t just paperwork. They shape our lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why contracts matter more than you think when working as a GPN. • Common things nurses overlook: maternity, bereavement, regulator fees, mileage. • Why many GP surgery contracts are outdated — and what you can do about it. • How life events can shift what you need from your contract. • The importance of negotiation as a professional skill in healthcare. Key Takeaway You have more negotiating power than you think. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, revisit your contract, and make sure it evolves alongside your role and your life. General practice nursing staff: Negotiating terms and conditions | Royal College of Nursing [https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/events/general-practice-nursing-staff-negotiating-terms-and-conditions-081025] General practice nurses: the lowdown on pay and pensions | RCNi [https://rcni.com/primary-health-care/newsroom/analysis/general-practice-nurses-lowdown-on-pay-and-pensions-205461] Non-NHS nursing: how your pay compares and how to ask for a rise [https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/newsroom/analysis/non-nhs-nursing-how-your-pay-compares-and-how-to-ask-for-a-rise-194411] Follow us on social media Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579625954418&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3h6QFgA47YQleNCj&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G27BX18vw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generallypracticing?igsh=NWw5OTZlcGZ4dXk4] We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

Asthma Week 38: The September Spike

Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2510699/open_sms] Week 38 or "September Asthma Peak" causes a dangerous spike in childhood asthma hospital admissions as children return to school and encounter new triggers after potentially reducing medication over summer. • Four key steps to prevent asthma attacks during the September peak • Getting a written asthma action plan reduces hospital admissions by four times • Proper inhaler technique ensures medication effectiveness • Regular asthma reviews help keep treatment on track • Identifying and managing air quality triggers, both indoor and outdoor • Parents should ensure schools have copies of action plans and accessible medications • Teachers need to know which students have asthma and how to help during an attack • Healthcare professionals should promote the #AskAboutAsthma campaign • Asthma affects children year-round but September represents a particularly high-risk period Please like and share our socials, and if you can give us a star rating wherever you listen, that helps with the algorithms. Don't forget to ask about asthma this September. Here are some resources; Asthma + Lung UK Parents Resources - Support for parents + carers | Asthma + Lung UK [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/support-parents-carers?_gl=1*1f1qj8b*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyHfIhnhdqq7OLzEQmDopODeWCvvONyWN7GoyBBaJk92w2Yg8tS3R0hoCwPEQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLpkb7HrRYsDsBUh0p7wHTKyI] Asthma + Lung UK Videos for all types of inhaler device - Search [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/search?search_api_fulltext=inhaler%20technique&_gl=1*5qjvxu*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyHfIhnhdqq7OLzEQmDopODeWCvvONyWN7GoyBBaJk92w2Yg8tS3R0hoCwPEQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLpkb7HrRYsDsBUh0p7wHTKyI] use the link to navigate through their demo archive Inhalers and Medicines Support - Your child's inhalers and medicines | Asthma + Lung UK [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/child/medicines?_gl=1*q8onjt*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyDUOIoGJz1slkQSIV3d-T_NybmpUKyfzgIbHGcKEzg8cO_ZP3YXCoBoCY0AQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLoL9Tf0n_biXrtizBmZeaIwG] Asthma Action Plan's - Your child’s asthma action plan | Asthma + Lung UK [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/child/manage/action-plan?_gl=1*1yev0r4*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyDUOIoGJz1slkQSIV3d-T_NybmpUKyfzgIbHGcKEzg8cO_ZP3YXCoBoCY0AQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLoL9Tf0n_biXrtizBmZeaIwG] Asthma Attach Advice - What to do if your child has an asthma attack | Asthma + Lung UK [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/child/asthma-attacks?_gl=1*1yev0r4*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyDUOIoGJz1slkQSIV3d-T_NybmpUKyfzgIbHGcKEzg8cO_ZP3YXCoBoCY0AQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLoL9Tf0n_biXrtizBmZeaIwG] and Asthma - NHS [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/] Managing Asthma - Managing your child's asthma | Asthma + [https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/child/manage?_gl=1*bp2214*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-_FBhBzEiwA7QEqyDUOIoGJz1slkQSIV3d-T_NybmpUKyfzgIbHGcKEzg8cO_ZP3YXCoBoCY0AQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD74XLoL9Tf0n_biXrtizBmZeaIwG] Follow us on social media Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579625954418&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3h6QFgA47YQleNCj&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G27BX18vw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generallypracticing?igsh=NWw5OTZlcGZ4dXk4] We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

"Take 2" - Navigating the 2025 UK Immunisation Schedule Changes

Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2510699/open_sms] I had the amazing opportunity to record a short education session for Dovetail Medical Events [https://www.dovetail-medical-events.co.uk/] covering the changes to the UK Schedule Immunisation Programme and they have agreed that I can use the audio from this as a more in detail break down of how we navigate the changes to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule - check out the video with slides HERE [https://www.dovetail-medical-events.co.uk/snippets-30-minute-educational-recordings/]. UK healthcare professionals face significant changes to the immunisation schedule, with new timings for MenB, PCV, and introduction of an 18-month appointment designed to provide better protection against disease. • MenB now offered at 8 and 12 weeks instead of 8 and 16 weeks, with PCV moving to 16 weeks • Change implemented from 1st July 2025 due to earlier presentation of meningitis B cases (now peaking at 1-3 months) • Primary immunisations schedule change applies to all babies regardless of birth date • One-year immunisations depend on birth date - those born on/after 1st July 2024 follow new schedule without Menitrix • Children born before 1st July 2024 continue old schedule with Menitrix (or 6-in-1 if stocks depleted) • New 18-month appointment starting January 2026 includes additional 6-in-1 and brings forward second MMR • Specific protocols for babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers • Healthcare professionals should check previous immunisations carefully at each appointment • Incomplete immunisation algorithm requires reading the entire age column before making decisions • Resources including calculators and visual guides available to support implementation Access the UK HSA resources for detailed information and practical tools to help implement these changes confidently. Follow us on social media Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579625954418&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3h6QFgA47YQleNCj&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G27BX18vw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generallypracticing?igsh=NWw5OTZlcGZ4dXk4] We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

When We Stand Together: Discovering the Power of Nursing Activism

Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2510699/open_sms] Nursing activism isn't just about protests and picket signs; it's about everyday actions that create positive change in healthcare. General practice nurses already participate in activism through advocating for evidence-based practice, fighting for CPD time, and supporting colleagues through challenges. • Activism means taking action together to bring positive change for nursing and communities • Even small, quiet actions count as activism when they challenge inadequate practices • The RCN Nursing Workforce Standards provide support for advocating better conditions • Understaffing by 80% is a red flag according to professional standards • Leadership in nursing includes mentoring colleagues and sharing knowledge • Building power comes from the ground up, not from the top down • Starting with small steps like conversations can create meaningful change • Support networks exist through RCN and Facebook groups for general practice nurses • Reflecting on what needs to change and taking first steps toward that change • Nurses don't need permission to improve working conditions or patient care Take care of yourself and take care of each other - we are all important in creating positive change in nursing. Useful links -  RCN Activism Academy - Ways you can get involved | Royal College of Nursing [https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved#s=3&c=1&q=&r=UK%20wide&t=61ab2714-92e6-4426-8451-181e44a0e4b1&p=&a=tabNational&sr=0] RCN General Practice Forum - RCN General Practice Nursing Forum (members working in general practice) | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/RCNGeneralPracticeForum/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=QPRJHqc5hOvB8Acl&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F19QR9XpPHq%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Action for Happiness - Jump Back Up July | Action for Happiness [https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar#download-block-anchor] Follow us on social media Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579625954418&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=3h6QFgA47YQleNCj&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1G27BX18vw%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/generallypracticing?igsh=NWw5OTZlcGZ4dXk4] We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.