New framework for nurses working within general practice
A general practice nurses (GPN’s) framework has been launched this week to provide consistency, structure, guidance and direction to registered general practice nurses and their employers. It gives advice about roles, skills and competencies that enable the highest standards of nursing practice at all levels of skill mix within a general practice team.
Commissioned by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), the GPN Framework aims to guide and support the development and recruitment of registered nurses working in general practice and primary care in Wales. The framework was developed through collaboration across all NHS Wales Health Boards, via the all-Wales professional group of Primary Care Lead Nurses (PCLNs) drawing from local guidance and existing standards and frameworks.
Click GPN Framework to view
Lisa Llewelyn, Director of nurse and Professional Education at HEIW said,
“As the Director of Nurse and Health Professional Education in Health Education and Improvement Wales, I am delighted to launch the NHS Wales General Practice Nurse Framework.
“This nationally agreed, well designed framework offers clear and consistent standards; and an approach to guiding, enhancing skills and developing nursing roles to meet the care and support needs of people registered with practices across Wales. Recognising the tremendous contribution and challenges faced by general practice nurses and their pivotal role in working with colleagues to deliver care closer to home.
“The document inspires and encourages nurses and employers alike to expand and enhance nursing career opportunities within primary care”.
Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer in Wales said,
“I am delighted to see the launch of this framework. It is a framework that every GPN and aspiring GPN can use within the wider primary care environment to ensure they can achieve the best quality of experience for patients, and the best health and well-being outcomes for their population. General practice nurses play a key role in multidisciplinary teams, managing increased public expectations, growing demand in complex care, and significant workforce challenges. This framework will help organisations to ensure that people with the right skills and competences are in the right roles to meet the future demand.
“The important role of General Practice Nurses (GPNs), which has been emphasised during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrates their expertise as generalists and specialists within primary care in supporting people to prevent, detect, manage and live with their health conditions. Primary care and care as close to home as possible are key features in the Welsh Government’s long term strategy for health and social care – A Healthier Wales.
“I am really pleased to see this important step being taken, which acts as a standard towards which current and aspiring GPNs in Wales can strive, with the aim to build their confidence and competence and provide direction for a nursing career in primary care”.
Lynne Cronin, Chair of the All Wales Primary Care Lead Nurse Group continued,
“I am very excited to see this long awaited competency document being launched. These voluntary standards of education and practice will enhance and provide consistency of care for the role and scope of General Practice Nursing in Wales. It will enable GPNs and employers to set and maintain the high standard of care that nurses provide our patients within general practice. This document will aid nurses and their employers to map out training needs and the educational requirements depending on skill mix within individual GP practices for the role of the GPN through to Advanced Nurse Practitioners according to practice models. It will support career progression and hopefully put General Practice Nursing on the map as being a first choice career for nurses”.