Developing the nurse practitioner's role in minor surgery

The role of a minor surgery nurse practitioner has been developed to benefit patients, the hospital trust and the nurse herself. An experienced theatre nurse was given intensive training by the surgical team, enabling her to provide a one-stop clinic for minor surgical procedures. Using local anaesthesia, the nurse removes common lesions such as moles, cysts and lipomas. Patients can bypass the wait for an outpatient appointment and subsequent day surgery. The success of the project has led to the introduction of a course in minor surgical skills for nurse practitioners in a range of specialties including dermatology, accident and emergency and primary care. The aim is to develop joint training for junior doctors and nursing staff.