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3 weeks ago | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
I was planning on writing about the abolition of NHS England as announced by the government in March. This aims to reduce bureaucracy and return the management of the NHS to government control via the Department of Health and Social Care. The expectation is that this will prevent duplication, save money and ultimately improve resources for frontline services, including nurses.
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1 month ago | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
As nurses, reflection is something we are regularly required to do. As part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation process, we are expected to write five written reflective accounts. The NMC explains that we should reflect on experiences, feedback and performance development reviews.
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Jan 15, 2025 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
As we start a new year, I have been reflecting on the past and wondering what the future will hold for nursing and the wider health and social care sector. 2024 saw yet more political upheaval and changes. The new Labour government appeared to hit the ground running in relation to the NHS and immediately commissioned several reviews, reports and public consultations on the state of the NHS and its regulators. But of course, what they will do with the findings remains to be seen.
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Dec 3, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
Another consultation has been launched by the government to explore proposals to protect whistleblowers. The health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has announced that NHS managers who attempt to silence whistleblowers or endanger patients through misconduct could be barred from working in the NHS.
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Nov 7, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
I write this as the latest attempt to ‘fix’ the NHS is launched by the government. A consultation process has commenced and the Department of Health and Social Care is calling for everyone to get involved. We are all invited as nurses, clinicians, NHS staff, patients, relatives and members of the public to contribute and share our experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS. This public engagement consultation aims to shape the government’s 10-Year Health Plan.
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Oct 3, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
This October we again celebrate national ‘Speak Up’ month. Speak Up Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the difference that Freedom to Speak Up is making. The theme chosen by the National Guardian Office this year focuses on ‘listening up’ and the power of good listening. We talk a great deal about the importance of people speaking up to raise any concerns they have.
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Sep 4, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
The power of advocacy is something I have been ruminating on recently, having witnessed the emergency care of my 15-year-old son. It feels as though he should have a loyalty card for our local accident and emergency (A&E) department, as he is becoming a frequent visitor with sports-related injuries. Within the last two years he has suffered rugby, basketball and football injuries requiring hospital attention.
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Aug 2, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
As I write, our newly formed government is busily assessing the state of the nation and reviewing the NHS. This is welcome, but I also urge them to focus not just on the NHS, but social and community care. With particular attention on exactly why delays occur and how to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions or lengthy inpatient stays. I feel there is some cautious optimism from NHS colleagues.
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Jul 3, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
A year ago, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of our NHS. Having recently seen Nye, starring Michael Sheen, I have been reflecting on this. The play tells the personal and political story of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his legacy of reforming the welfare state and founding the NHS. It’s a must-see for anyone in the NHS and for our politicians and national leaders whose responsibility it is to uphold Bevan’s vision.
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Jun 6, 2024 | 
nursingtimes.net | Helené Donnelly |Sam Gournay
I write this as the infected blood scandal report is published. The inquiry looked at over 50 years of NHS and government decision making and actions following the infection of thousands of people from contaminated blood. I am mindful that, yet again we are tragically learning of another, and arguably the worst, scandal to rock the NHS. In which innocent victims have had to fight to expose preventable harm inflicted on them.
