Nurses are leading the way in transforming NHS roles

There are massive changes afoot in nursing, including the continuing work that forms part of the NHS Next Stage Review, Modernising Nursing Careers and the move towards an all-graduate profession.

However, some nurses are not prepared to wait and have come up with their own innovative solutions to the way nursing is organised at a structural level and also individual roles (see this week's feature).

These include examples such as the new ward matron being introduced at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the role of ambulance nurse being created at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

In addition, NT reports this week how two enterprising nurses from the Midlands have set up their own social enterprise company to provide professional emotional support to mothers throughout pregnancy, birth and the first weeks of parenthood.

They are currently seeking commissions for the service but are not content to stop there and are in the process of setting up a training course for the programme and also a representative council for doulas.

These examples show that nursing as a profession is taking the initiative. Such innovators and entrepreneurs should be congratulated and supported. Their efforts can only be good for nursing.

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