New Network for General Practice Nurses Launched
2 August 2024
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) has launched a new professional network for General Practice Nurses (GPNs).
The new network was announced at the celebration event for General Practice Nurses held at Regent’s College in London on 12th July. Almost 500 GPNs signed up online to join the network on the day.
GPNs can join the network with a simple online registration form. The network will hold regular webinars, the first on 3rd September. Members will also receive a regular e-newsletter. There is no fee to join the network and it’s open to GPNs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The aim of this network is to provide GPNs with the opportunity:
- to be part of a national network for experienced and nurses new to general practice nursing
- to network and share best practice with GPN contemporaries
- to articulate the value of GPNs as autonomous practitioners within the primary care team
- to discuss innovative approaches to improving and articulating best practice for patients
- for headspace for learning and time to collaborate with other GPNs to raise the profile and voice of General Practice Nursing.
The network is led by Queen’s Nurse Angie Hack, the QNI’s Assistant Director of Nursing Programmes (Primary Care). Angie Hack has a background in District Nursing and General Practice Nurse education, at London South Bank University. She has also served as Chair of the Association of Academic General Practice Nurse Educators (AAGPNE) since the organisation was formed in 2016.
I am delighted that we are able to launch a network for all GPNs to be able to share knowledge and experience through the QNI. The QNI has been working for some years to support GPNs, raising their profile as a crucial part of the primary care workforce. I look forward to extending our new network to many more nurses in General Practice and making new connections with people at all stages of their careers.
Angie Hack QN, Assistant Director of Nursing Programmes (Primary Care), The QNIWe are delighted to have created this new network exclusively for General Practice Nurses supported by a grant from the National Garden Scheme, for which we are extremely grateful. This crucial group of nurses has historically not been given the recognition they deserve, which has impacted their morale. However we know that local communities place huge value on their GPNs and the support that they give to individuals, families and carers. We know that with this free network, they will find an inclusive, supportive and much needed space that allows them to share ideas, best practice and advice.
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive, The QNINurses working in General Practice are also encouraged to look out for the next round of QNI innovation projects, the NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarships. The QNI in partnership with the National Garden Scheme will fund five projects that use gardens and gardening to improve the health of people in the community. The projects must be led by nurses, and many GPNs have previously been successful project leaders. The scholarship offers a year long programme of professional development, as well as funding to put nurses’ ideas into action. The scheme is now in its fourth successful year, and has helped thousands of people to access the health benefits of being outside in green spaces. The scholarships will open for applications in September, for projects starting in spring 2025.
Notes to Editors
Register to join the network here: https://qni.org.uk/networks-for-community-nurses/general-practice-nurse-network/
Register to attend the webinar on 3 September: https://qni.org.uk/news-and-events/events/general-practice-nurse-network-webinar/
The QNI has also created a new private Facebook group for General Practice Nurses. To apply to join the group, go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/generalpracticenursenetwork
The new GPN network is funded by the National Garden Scheme, the QNI’s largest funder. The National Garden Scheme is funding four of the QNI’s professional nursing networks in 2024, in addition to the Queen’s Nurse Programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Back to News