Some of us are old enough to remember our nation joining the European Economic Community, as it was then, in 1973 and the angst it caused for some. After all the anguish and turmoil, we eventually settled into a shared reality with a common approach to how trade and how our economy should be managed. We may yet be thrown into another whirlwind over the next few months when Brexit finally becomes a reality.
We can only surmise what impact this may have on the NHS as our ties with other countries either loosen or strengthen.
‘As well as concerns about Brexit and staff shortages, our workload increases year on year because of the ageing population and their complex problems’
There are many areas of concern for the NHS. Post-Brexit may see issues concerning medicines marketed in the UK, which at present are subject to the rules laid out by the European Medicines Agency. Medical devices, as well as drugs, may also be affected as they too are subject to EU law. We may therefore need to change UK legislation if we leave without a deal. Research trials may also be hampered, as well as access to new drugs. This is all food for thought.
Change is not an uncommon phenomenon for us in the NHS—we work in a state of almost constant flux, with staff on rotation, staff retiring and staff achieving promotions. These changes are coupled with knowing that our practice remains under scrutiny at all times, as new evidence and research emerges to inform and enlighten us on the way forward.
The concern is whether we will need to enhance our recruitment strategies to bolster our workforce if we see a substantial loss of staff from our European neighbours. Royal College of Nursing (2019) data suggests that there have already been substantial losses of EU nurses from the UK since the referendum in 2016, with a 91% fall in the number of EU nurses registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and a withdrawal of more than 7000 established EU nurses from the register.
I am looking forward to this year's ASCN UK conference at the International Conference Centre Wales, which takes place on 15 to 17 September, where a broad range of topics will be covered. These include robotic surgery, overcoming the stigma of a stoma, the use of support-wear garments, and enhancing life for patients after stoma surgery.
Our conference theme ‘Getting the Balance Right’ gives us the opportunity to explore the varied aspects of our roles, in which we juggle our time and energies to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all. Whether this be balancing our work and professional lives or our ethical and legal responsibilities, we are challenged daily to do what is right. The caveat is that this must be complemented with looking after ourselves. In this way, we can reduce stress and burnout and function effectively at all times while maintaining harmony and productivity within the work environment.
The introduction of wellbeing measures to the workplace must surely therefore be welcomed. Access to fitness and health schemes, as well as support for mental health, aim to improve the quality of our working lives so that we can maintain a high-quality service for our patients.
As well as concerns about Brexit and staff shortages, our workload increases year on year because of the ageing population and their complex problems. Technology enables us to deliver more advanced and effective care, but at what price?
These may be worrying times, but let us take time out, enjoy conference, share our fears and discuss the way forward.