School nurses and health visitors are among those demanding that the government outlaws physical punishment of children, including smacking. An open letter signed by 13 health and social care organisations has asked ministers to back an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would remove the “reasonable punishment” defence in England. “We cannot, in good conscience, allow this outdated defence to persist” Letter Under the Children Act 2004, it is unlawful to hit your child except where it is a “reasonable punishment”, and this is judged on a case-by-case basis. The letter, signed by the School and Public…
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The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has issued formal definitions of nursing support workers, including a new distinction between healthcare assistants (HCAs) and registered nursing associates. A collaboration between various committees within the college led to the development of the new definitions, which were published earlier this month. “We are seeking to ensure that staff and patient safety is upheld” Wendy Preston A nursing support worker is now defined as a “collaborative member” of a nursing and multidisciplinary team providing person-centred nursing care, with this care always being delegated and supervised by a registered nurse. Under the new definitions, two…
On Wednesday, numerous bipartisan lawmakers overhauled the advance approval process for seniors who have registered with the Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and reintroduced a bill that would cut some of the red tapes facing home health providers. Improving timely access to care for seniors is aimed at amending part of the Social Security Act, establishing pre-MA approval requirements, increasing transparency and requiring electronic pre-authentication systems. “As a doctor, I have seen firsthand how a broken pre-certification process slows down the care needed and irritates both the elderly and their doctors,” said Rep. Amibella (D-Calif.), one of the lawmakers who support…
This article is part of the HHCN+ membership The Trump administration pledged a massive deportation and implemented a proactive strategy to implement the plan. When home care providers are already struggling with staffing crisis, massive deportation can spell out the troubles of healthcare providers and create disability for seniors who need care services. Already concerned about a labor shortage, home care executives are pushing for policies that make it easier to expand the limited pool of healthcare workers to support seniors in their homes, including an expanded visa program. Home Assist Health CEO Sara Wilson said he believes creating meaningful…
Help at Home has announced the acquisition of Central Florida home care. The acquisition will expand its presence in Florida following the company's purchase of Caregiver Services Inc. Home Help is currently operating in all Florida counties. In a statement, Florida community leader Glen Golemi said: “We currently serve 1.5 million hours of care each year to Floridians, and we look forward to providing home care services to more vulnerable populations across the state.” Chicago-based In-Home Help offers home care services in more than 200 locations across 11 states, serving 70,000 clients. The current home care of the Central Florida…
Nurses are prepared to strike over an “insulting” 3.6% pay offer by the government, according to a campaign group. On Thursday (22 May), health and social care secretary Wes Streeting announced the details of the 2025-26 Agenda for Change pay deal, having accepted the headline recommendations of the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB). “There’s only so far you can push people before they say enough is enough” Holly Turner The deal means staff on Agenda for Change contracts in England, which include NHS nurses, midwives and others, are set to receive a 3.6% pay rise from August, backdated to 1…
A Scottish nurse at the centre of a changing room dispute has called on her nursing union to intervene. Sandie Peggie’s solicitor, Margaret Gribbon, has written to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Scotland to request its support. “We believe it is important that all parties are treated with dignity and respect” RCN Scotland spokesperson She argued that, to date, the RCN had not attempted to resolve the matter with Ms Peggie’s employer, NHS Fife. A&E nurse Ms Peggie was suspended from work in January 2024 after a doctor colleague, Dr Beth Upton, made a formal complaint of bullying…
The world’s first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is being rolled out in England. NHS England announced earlier this week that invitations for the immunisation programme will go out to eligible patients from 1 August 2025. “Gonorrhoea diagnoses are at their highest since records began and this has the potential to help us to turn that around” Matt Phillips The jab, an existing vaccine for meningococcal B disease (4CMenB), was greenlit for routine use by the government after analysis from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found it also gave protection from gonorrhoea, and could help tackle antibiotic resistant strains of…
The final report from the public inquiry into the crimes committed by former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby is now expected in early 2026 – a decade after they took place. The Thirlwall Inquiry held its final hearing in March this year after seven months of evidence sessions. The inquiry chair – Lady Justice Thirlwall – is now collating her findings into a final report that will include lessons and recommendations for the health system. The 2026 date for publication of the final report is a delay to the timeline previously given. At the closure of the sessions, Lady Thirlwall said…
This World Continence Week, nurses are invited to attend a free webinar to improve their continence care knowledge. In partnership with Essity, Nursing Times wants to help healthcare professionals boost their confidence in asking patients about their bladder and bowel symptoms and knowing what to do with the response. This webinar aims to demystify continence and product assessments, ultimately improving outcomes and experiences for individuals. By attending the event, you will: Learn how to initiate discussions about bladder and bowel symptoms with patients and how to respond to their questions Discover how to perform effective assessments without complexity and recognise warning…