General practice. In for the skill

Faced with the retirement of many of its practice nurses, a primary care trust undertook a review and decided to employ healthcare assistants in general practice. HCAs undertake tasks previously performed by practice nurses. Training is provided over 12 months. All practices in the PCT provide nurse appointments and 59 per cent of them can offer an appointment within 24 hours. More than a quarter of practices in the PCT are now interested in taking part in the scheme.