Cabinet Secretary launches New Practice Nurse Publications at Carronbank

26
Photo from left to right: Andrea Davidson, Lead General Practice Nurse (GPN), NHS Forth Valley, June Straight, GPN, Carronbank Medical Practice, Lesley Hamilton, Practice Manager, Carronbank Medical Practice, Beverley Birnie, Lead GPN, Carronbank Medical Practice, Jane Harris, Head of Programme, Workforce Education and Career Development, NHS Education for Health and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray MSP.
Photo from left to right: Andrea Davidson, Lead General Practice Nurse (GPN), NHS Forth Valley, June Straight, GPN, Carronbank Medical Practice, Lesley Hamilton, Practice Manager, Carronbank Medical Practice, Beverley Birnie, Lead GPN, Carronbank Medical Practice, Jane Harris, Head of Programme, Workforce Education and Career Development, NHS Education for Health and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray MSP.

Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, formally launched two important publications at Carronbank Medical Practice. These publications focus on the evolving role of General Practice Nurses (GPNs) and their growing contribution to primary care in Scotland.

The first publication, Transforming Roles Paper 6: Role of the General Practice Nurse 2025, outlines the vision and expectations for the role of GPNs over the coming years. The second, Transforming Roles Paper 6 – Role of the General Practice Nurse 2025: Associated Document for GPs and General Practice Managers, provides further insight and guidance for GPs and practice managers, highlighting the essential support GPNs offer in the delivery of primary care services.

In addition to these documents, the publications include a link to the NES GPN Knowledge and Skills Framework, which provides a comprehensive guide to the key competencies required for GPNs in their crucial role in local healthcare settings.

During the event, Mr Gray engaged in a one-hour discussion on the content of the publications and the newly launched NES GPN Knowledge and Skills Framework. The conversation centred on the significant value of the GPN role within primary care and the contribution GPNs make to improving population health outcomes. Mr Gray acknowledged the diversity and complexity of the GPN role and highlighted their vital work in supporting national healthcare priorities. These include work to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, managing diabetes and respiratory illnesses and improving services for women through the national Women’s Health Plan.