Statistics suggest that one-in-four adults are obese, and up to 33% of school-aged children are overweight or obese (National Obesity Forum, 2015). Thus, on a daily basis, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will engage in consultations with patients who are overweight or obese, quite often while presenting for advice for another condition. This article explores how to broach this sensitive issue and the nurse’s role to reduce weight stigma in line with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (NMC, 2015). Practical advice to support patients in managing their weight, and identifying appropriate onward referrals, including for bariatric surgery and eating disorders, will also be discussed.
By reading the article, you can learn all about the key principles of subjects that are vital to your role as a community nurse. Once you have read the article, visit www.jcn.co.uk/learning-zone/ to evaluate your knowledge on this topic by answering the 10 questions in the e-learning unit; all answers can be found in the article. If you answer the questions correctly, you can download your certificate, which can be used in your continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio as evidence of your continued learning.
Slough is defined as devitalised tissue made up mainly of fibrin, white blood cells and debris that collects in the wound bed (Brown, 2013). It can indicate the presence of infection, ischaemia or a dehydrated wound bed (Atkin, 2014).
Linda Harris is a podiatrist with vast experience of community practice. She is currently working with the John Lewis Partnership.
By reading the article, you can learn all about the key principles of subjects that are vital to your role as a community nurse. Once you have read the article, visit www.jcn.co.uk/learning-zone/ to evaluate your knowledge on this topic by answering the 10 questions in the e-learning unit; all answers can be found in the article. If you answer the questions correctly, you can download your certificate, which can be used in your continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio as evidence of your continued learning.
Compression therapy can play a vital role in improving the quality of life for those with chronic venous insufficiency, chronic oedema and lymphoedema (Lymphoedema Framework, 2006; World Union of Wound Healing Societies [WUWHS], 2008). In particular, compression bandaging can facilitate wound healing and oedema reduction in the treatment phase of management, before further healing and maintenance with compression hosiery.
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A new UK-wide community pilot project for people with chronic kidney disease is due to start in summer 2015. ASSIST-CKD — a programme to spread eGFR graph surveillance for the early identification, support and treatment of people with progressive chronic kidney disease — is supported by the Health Foundation and led by Kidney Research UK, the national charity dedicated to research that will lead to better treatments and cures for kidney disease.
At the end of 2014, Colostomy Association trustee, Wendy Hetherington, launched a new national helpline for parents of children with bowel and bladder dysfunction. The Junior Ostomy Support Helpline (JOSH) is staffed entirely by parents of children with bowel and bladder conditions and provides a much-needed lifeline to families.
