Words matter: does the new RCN definition of nursing devalue the RNA?

‘The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform...

Black History Month 2023: what is it like to be Black and British right now?

The treatment of a young Black female gymnast in Ireland who was ignored because she is Black has been receiving widespread circulation and comment in the media. It is 2023 and it has been described...

The regulation of medical devices in the UK: recent changes

‘Any instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, implant, reagent, material or other article intended by the manufacturer to be used alone, or in combination, for human beings…’. .

An ambassador for women

Applying utilitarianism to the presumed consent system for organ donation to consider the moral pros and cons

Utilitarianism is, in essence, a consequentialist theory that rests on the fundamental premise that the morally preferable action is that which produces the most good overall—it is associated with...

Strategies to enhance applications to postgraduate nursing programmes

Ever since the passing of the Nurses Registration Act in December 1919, leading to state registration for appropriately trained nurses, there has been a shortfall in the number of nurses needed to...

Independent review seeks to tackle obesity and other diet-related diseases

The report seeks to radically change both the way we eat and what we eat. Although obesity is high on its agenda, this is not its only goal—it is wide reaching and references the government's Climate...

Strategies and policies to tackle the problems associated with long COVID

In many respects the pathological morbidities associated with long COVID resemble those of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Some of the most common...

The new Care Quality Commission inspection procedures

The CQC was created in 2009 following the merger of three regulatory organisations: the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and the Mental Health...

The importance of investing in early years health and social care

Early childhood is defined by Unesco as the important period in a child's life from birth to aged 8 years. The first 5 years prior to a child entering primary school education are especially crucial...

Should SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for all frontline healthcare staff be compulsory?

The UK is a liberal democracy, a system of government within which individual rights and freedoms are recognised and protected, and the exercise of political power is limited by the rule of law.

Providing mental health support for children and young people in schools

Undoubtedly the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions it has placed on normal childhood activities is responsible for a raft of serious threats to child mental health. Children by nature are...