“We are delighted that so many General Practice Nurses took time out of their busy practices to join us. Their commitment to advancing patient care and enhancing their skills in this vital area is truly commendable,” according to Liz Carroll, Professional Development Co-ordinator GP Nurses, HSE South East Community Healthcare, speaking as General Practice (GP) Nurses from Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary came together for a Study Day hosted in Kilkenny recently. 

Entitled ‘Integrated Learning: Enhancing Integrated Care in Chronic Disease Management,’ the event brought together nurses from over 100 GP practices in the South East. 

Liz further noted that “educational opportunities have a crucial role in fostering collaboration within our interdisciplinary care teams and promoting a culture of shared expertise and innovation. We are delighted that we had speakers and presentations covering many relevant areas. And of course we had the GP Nurses themselves as experts in their respective fields - sharing their knowledge and experience.”

The aim of the Study Day was to bring together nurses who are making a lasting impact on health and well-being in communities.

Liz further outlined how the event allowed the HSE self-management and peer support services to “showcase their work. The impact of these services on the quality-of-life of our patients is invaluable. It really does assist our patients in living well within their own communities. We also focused on updating our clinical skills and knowledge through hands-on workshops. We set out to equip participants with the tools to deliver the highest level of care to patients living with chronic diseases. It means they gain valuable insights that increase collaboration and communication across primary care, integrated care, and the acute hospital sector. By building these connections, we ultimately improve patient care and outcomes, ensuring that every interaction leaves a lasting positive impact.”

Judy Ryan, Director, HSE Nursing, Midwifery, Planning and Development Unit South East, stressed the importance of “never underestimating the impact a General Practice Nurse has on a patient’s journey.”

Sandra McCarthy, HSE Director of Nursing Lead, Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease, outlined how the HSE Enhanced Community Care programme (ECC), of which the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme is a main plank, aims to “support General Practice in managing the vast majority of CDM patients in primary care for their routine care. In tandem, integrated care teams provide episodic care and specialist supports at ambulatory care hubs. The underlying principles of the Sláintecare strategy – right care, right place, right time – sees GP nurses playing a pivotal role in delivering the structured Chronic Disease Management programme in General Practice.”