New nursing framework supports delivery of care closer to home

A new education and career framework launched today by Health Education England sets out for the first time the specialist knowledge and skills needed to deliver and advance in district nursing and general practice nursing.

Developed in association with professional membership organisations, commissioners, Trusts and higher education institutions, the District Nursing and General Practice Nursing Service education and career framework will underpin the shift from acute to primary and community care by setting out for the first time standardised roles and responsibilities, as well as provide practitioners with a career pathway.

The document contains frameworks for both district nursing and general practice nursing services within one framework and outlines the career pathways for both professions, while setting out clearly the key responsibilities and roles at each level of advancement.

Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Director of Nursing/National Deputy Director of Education and Quality at Health Education England said:

With this document we have for the first time a framework that sets out the skills required to perform these important roles and in doing so, will ensure that district and general practice nursing professionals are equipped to deliver health outcomes now and in the future. By outlining the specialist knowledge, skills and experience required to deliver district and general practice nursing care, the framework supports the shift of care from acute into primary and community settings – a key tenet of the Five Year Forward View.

New models of care will only become a reality if we have staff with the right skills, values and behaviours to deliver them. This Framework is vital to support development of a nursing workforce who can deliver the right kind or care, when and where it’s needed.

WeNurses will be hosting a tweet chat with Lisa Bayliss-Pratt at 20.00 on Tuesday 3 November to discuss implementation of the Frameworks. For more information on how to get involved, visit the WeCommunities website.