Much has changed and much has stayed the same. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a lot of change, both in words and deeds. The overall thinking about, and engagement in, our own health and that of those unknown to us as well as our colleagues, friends and relatives has increased. A greater concern for the greater good and a generosity of spirit has been witnessed by many. A change that is to be heralded is in the applications for nurse training, which have increased by 34% in England—from 35 960 to 48 830, with an increase in male applications of 41% and an increase in mature applicants (Department of Health and Social Care, 2021). This is a significant and positive move towards a diverse and representative work force. This is going to be critical for the future, with the Government manifesto commitment for 50 000 more nurses in the NHS. We will always need nurses and a significant amount of nurses have expressed the desire to leave or retire. Let us hope that this current trend of interest and appreciation of nursing continues.
Many of those employed in tissue viability roles have seen significant change with redeployment into other areas. This poses challenges, both personal and professional, as well as opportunities. Leadership, management and knowledge of working within the NHS are transferable skills and lead tissue viability staff and their teams have been able to contribute during the pandemic. Some of the learning from this is significant, whether it is working to the clinical guidelines you created or reviewing other professionals' patient care. Looking at care and care delivery with fresh eyes allows for improvements.
The structured approach taken by the National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP) is to be applauded, with its approach to research, evidence and expert opinion. The NWSCP has recently undertaken a consultation about lower limb wounds, wound products, digital imaging. Recommendations for lower limb ulcers, surgical wound recommendations and e-learning modules are to be available very soon (https://tinyurl.com/y4hrjrgq). This will help tissue viability teams and those delivering wound care with increased consistency, reduced variation, improved safety and improved patient experiences and outcomes.
An appreciation of nursing is always made at the BJN Awards. At the time of writing the winner of the BJN Award for wound care nurse of the year, in conjunction with the Wound Care Alliance UK, is unknown but by the time this reaches readers you will know who you are, after the virtual event on Monday 8 March. Congratulations, your commitment to tissue viability and lower limb wounds has been recognised—and may you continue to contribute to achieving patient outcomes. As always, do take the time to read about the awards and consider whether you could develop these ideas in your own practice. If you are left feeling inspired, then do consider entering next year.
The vaccine is our way out of the pandemic and it is all due to highly committed professionals and scientists. Our future is now based on science and evidence and the value of this has never been more important, or indeed more valued. What we have learned is that when money is invested in research and expert opinion is brought together then great strides can be achieved, provided care delivery is then based on the evidence and delivered in a structured way.
The WCAUK remains committed to promoting evidence, best practices and high-quality care delivery. In this issue the topics covered include nutrition and wound healing and taking a structured approach to wound assessment. We will be holding a skills day on 9 October 2021 at Cheltenham race course conference centre. Booking is via the WCAUK website. We really do look forward to meeting with you then.
Finally, may I wish you all stay well and healthy as we finally move forward out of the worst of the pandemic. Much has changed and much has stayed the same.