NHS England (NHSE) and the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) are ‘actively collaborating’ on a new scope of practice initiative for nursing associates (NAs) in primary care, Nursing in Practice understands.
The guidance would work to ensure NAs can be ‘safely and effectively’ integrated into primary care settings, while remaining in the scope of their role.
It will focus on supporting NAs working in the healthcare system, also allowing general practice nurses (GPNs) to focus on more complex clinical responsibilities.
Unlike GPNs, NAs can be employed under the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS).
ARRS was launched in 2019 and allows primary care networks (PCNs) to claim reimbursement for the salaries of some multidisciplinary roles into practices.
Dr Crystal Oldman, chief executive of the QNI, told Nursing in Practice that NAs are ‘very much part of the family’, but reiterated points about the role flagged in the QNI’s position statement earlier this year.
In January, the QNI called for ‘clear guidance’ on the ‘scope and limits’ of NAs, amid ongoing reports of those in post running independent clinics in general practice.
While recognising the ‘invaluable’ contribution of NAs in assisting registered nurses, the QNI stressed the ‘significant differences’ between the two posts and warned that NAs ‘should not be used in role substitution’.
Nursing in Practice also reported that NHSE was funding nursing associates to carry out a Level 6 Foundation course meant for newly registered nurses or registered nurses new to employment in general practice.
This raised concerns about the safety of patients and NAs themselves.
In an exclusive interview with Nursing in Practice last year Heather Randle, professional lead at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said the union had seen ‘a lot of role substitution’ since the introduction of the ARRS, with NAs and care coordinators being used in place of GPNs.
The QNI has called for ‘clear guidance’ on the scope of nursing associates amid reports of some running independent clinics in general practice.
