Gary Jones

Credentialing is 15 years behind

I was pleased to see the RCN inviting applications for the credentialing scheme (news, 31 May). I note the piece indicated that credentialing will provide formal recognition of high quality advanced-level nursing practice.

Crisis in emergency care.

In the past two decades, the problem of bed shortages and emergency departments under pressure has increased in intensity. More than 25 years ago, when the seeds of todays problems were sown, we were told that it would be okay to reduce bed numbers because community and social services would be improved.

Constant reorganisation of the NHS is pointless and counterproductive

The first paragraph of the editorial (September 12) summarises the state of the NHS over the past 20 to 30 years, with new names and logos, and managers being made redundant, only to be re-engaged.

Change for change’s sake has been a waste of money

I totally agree with Stephen Weeks (letters February 9) that the best way to cut NHS costs is to avoid change for changes sake.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

How refreshing it was to read Ed Rowes article suggesting that sticking rigidly to the rules on patient confidentiality is not always for the best (reflections November 17).

Jealously guarding initiatives can only halt progress: Sharing and working together is healthy, writes Gary Jones

I was saddened, but not surprised, to read that an Institute for Employment Studies survey found healthcare workers are being forbidden to share ideas outside their organisation (news and editorial, August 25).

Latest initiative is good, but these are the fundamentals

I have written before, and am sure I will write again in the future, about nursings ability to throw the good out with the bad in the interest of progress.

Doctors’ white coats are not the only infection risk

I have been following the correspondence on whether hospital doctors should wear white coats (letters November 3, 10 and 17).

Sheila collins contributed to building rcn fellowships

Having read the obituary of Sheila Collins (April 1), I believe it is important to note the important work she contributed to the RCN fellows.

History tells us that hospitals can’t do without clinical nurse leaders

We are now told that nurses are to be put in charge of Hospital at Night teams because they know how wards operate (news March 21).