UK GPs and ANPs face the pressure of the “10-minute consultation.” Discover practical strategies for agenda-setting, safety-netting, and inclusive care that make short appointments safer and more effective. 

Why the “10-Minute Appointment” Is a Myth 

In UK general practice, the 10-minute consultation has become legendary. But the reality is different: 

• Patients arrive late. 
• Computers freeze. 
• The “just one more thing” question always lands at 9:59. 

According to the Commonwealth Fund, only 26% of UK GPs felt they had adequate consultation time, compared with 59% internationally. In the UK, just 8% of appointments last longer than 15 minutes — versus 73% abroad. 

So if we can’t always stretch the clock, how can we make short consultations safer, more inclusive, and more meaningful? 

Reflections from the Consulting Room 

Like many colleagues, I’ve had days where I’ve rushed through multiple patient issues, then stressed about being late for family commitments. 

The lesson? Not every problem has to be solved in one sitting. Some can be safely deferred, delegated, or followed up later — if we use safety-netting and clear communication. 

Practical Tips: Making 10 Minutes Count 

1. Agenda-Setting 

• Try: “We’ve got time for two things today — what matters most to you?” 
• This avoids “list unraveling” and helps set priorities collaboratively. 

2. Better Questioning 

Avoid: “Why are you here today?” (can invite long justifications). 
Instead, try: 

• “What’s been the biggest impact of this problem on you?” 
• “How is this affecting your day-to-day life?” 
• “What would you like us to focus on today?” 

These open “what” and “how” questions uncover the real problem faster. 

3. Safety-Netting: The Clinician’s Seatbelt 

Safety-netting is crucial when time is short. It’s not just reassurance — it’s: 

• What to expect (likely course of illness) 
• What to watch for (red flags) 
• When to come back (clear follow-up plan) 

Asking “What’s your biggest worry today?” often reveals more than any triage system and helps you tailor your safety-netting. 

4. Signposting Without Rushing 

• “That’s important — let’s book a follow-up so we can give it proper attention.” 
• Use team messaging, allied professionals, and digital tools to share the load. 

Micro-Inclusivity in a 10-Minute World 

Short consultations shouldn’t mean short-changing inclusivity. Quick wins: 

• Ask about pronouns naturally. 
• Use plain, jargon-free language. 
• Offer chaperones without waiting to be asked. 
• Use “partner” instead of assuming “husband/wife.” 

These micro-actions build trust quickly, without extending appointment time. 

The Problem with “One Issue Per Consultation” 

Some practices enforce a “one problem per appointment” rule to manage demand. But this can leave issues unresolved, leading to: 

• Repeat attendances 
• Missed opportunities 
• More A&E visits 

Research suggests slightly longer consultations save time overall: resolving multiple issues at once prevents future inefficiencies. 

Safety-Netting: Why It Matters in 10 Minutes 

In a compressed consultation, safety-netting is your patient safety tool: 

• It reduces risk of missed diagnosis. 
• It reassures patients while managing uncertainty. 
• It creates shared responsibility, empowering patients to know when to re-consult. 

Safety-netting doesn’t take more time — it saves time (and risk) in the long run. 

Final Thought: You’re Not Failing the NHS 

Neither GPs nor ANPs are superheroes. You can’t fix every issue in 10 minutes. You succeed when you: 

• Listen with clarity 
• Prioritise what matters 
• Use safety-netting to protect patients and yourself 

The 10-minute appointment may be a myth, but care, compassion, and clinical safety are timeless. 

Next Steps for Clinicians 

If you’d like to build your skills in safety-netting, patient-centred communication, and consultation efficiency, the Aligned Care Programme offers practical tools to support you in the real world of primary care. 

[Learn more about the Aligned Care Programme →] Aligned Care Personalised Care Diploma | MA Training Enterprise

Introduction 

 
An MA Training team member shares their honest LGBTQ+ healthcare experiences — highlighting challenges, positive encounters, and what clinicians can do to make care more inclusive. 

At MA Training, inclusion isn’t a buzzword — it’s lived. With 30% of our staff and many of our learners being disabled, people of colour, or LGBTQ+ we know representation matters. 

In this blog, one of our team members shares their personal experiences of healthcare — the challenges, the positive moments, and the lessons that can help clinicians deliver safer, more inclusive care. 

Setting the Scene 

“I’m thrilled you agreed to join me…especially as you make a cracking cup of tea!” 

“So, tell me about the last time you saw a GP. No need for medical details — I want the vibes!” 

Patient Experience: When Care Misses the Mark 

“It was one of the more difficult experiences I’ve had actually. I went to a clinician about eczema in an intimate area. Instead of focusing on the issue, he spent several minutes trying to figure out whether I’d had surgery. It was clear he didn’t understand my situation and seemed to have a very outdated view of what it means to be transgender.” 

The consultation became uncomfortable and derailed by irrelevant questions. Even worse, the patient notes included irrelevant information about gender transition, rather than the actual medical concern. 

Clinician Takeaway: Focus on the presenting problem. Avoid irrelevant questions or assumptions that undermine trust. 

Challenges Faced: Misgendering and Assumptions 

Misgendering is a common occurrence, especially with new clinicians. System defaults (such as incorrect gender markers) mean patients often have to “come out” repeatedly. 

“There are a lot of assumptions made about my transition. Some doctors see that I’m transgender and immediately form a fixed idea of what that means, despite every person’s journey being different. I’ve even had someone ask if they could use the wrong pronouns because they found it easier and were confused.” 

Even basic administrative errors — such as disappearing or incorrect prefixes — add to the invalidation and frustration. 

Clinician Takeaway: Use the patient’s correct pronouns, update records carefully, and never assume what “being trans” means for an individual. 

Positive Experiences: When Healthcare Feels Safe 

“One that comes to mind is a nurse who asked my pronouns and how I prefer to be referred to — not just in the conversation, but also in the notes they were writing. That kind of attention to detail and respect made me feel seen from the start.” 

Another positive memory came from a blood test handled with quiet dignity — no unnecessary questions, no assumptions, just safe, respectful care. 

Clinician Takeaway: Small gestures — using pronouns, treating the patient like anyone else — can transform an encounter into one of safety and trust. 

What I Wish Clinicians Knew 

“I wish more healthcare professionals understood which aspects of being trans are actually relevant to the care they’re providing — and which aren’t.” 

Simple actions like asking pronouns show respect and help patients feel comfortable immediately. 

Clinician Takeaway: Avoid generalisations. Focus only on information relevant to care. Respectful curiosity builds trust quickly. 

Advice for LGBTQ+ Patients 

• Bring a chaperone if possible — it offers emotional support and advocacy. 

• Educate yourself about your rights as a patient. 

• Know what to expect in consultations to feel more confident and in control. 

Clinician Reflection: When patients feel empowered, consultations are more effective, collaborative, and safe. 

Closing Thoughts 

“Having even a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ issues goes a long way. Creating a space that’s rooted in curiosity, learning, empowerment, and safety doesn’t just benefit trans people — it makes healthcare better for everyone.” 

Inclusivity isn’t about getting everything right all the time. It’s about showing patients you’re willing to listen, learn, and create a safe space — even when you don’t have all the answers. 

We also want to thank our colleague for being so open and generous in sharing their story. Their honesty reminds us that the diversity within MA Training is not just something we celebrate — it directly shapes the quality and relevance of the training we provide. 

How MA Training Supports CQC Standards 

Partnering with MA Training doesn’t just strengthen inclusive care — it also helps organisations evidence CQC compliance. Our programmes align with key inspection areas, particularly: 

Caring (C1, C2): Staff treat people with dignity, respect, and compassion. 

Responsive (R1, R2): Services meet diverse needs, including LGBTQ+ and disabled patients. 

Well-Led (W2, W3): Leadership shows commitment to openness, inclusivity, and quality. 

By investing in staff training with us organisations can demonstrate to the CQC that they are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. 

To discuss how MA Training can support your team and inspection readiness, email info@matrainingenterprise.co.uk or contact us through our contact us page.

Mounjaro UK prices rose by up to 170% in September 2025. Learn why costs increased, how this affects patients, Mounjaro vs Wegovy comparisons, and safe support options. 

Why Has the Mounjaro Price Increased? 

On 1 September 2025, the cost of Mounjaro in the UK rose sharply after a decision by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer. They explained that the price increase was made to bring the UK in line with Europe and other developed countries. 

This is a national change — it affects all providers across the UK. 

The Human Impact: A Patient Story 

When a relative first told me about the price increase and how he could no longer afford the treatment that had transformed his health, it reminded me of when I bought our caravan. At first, it was our happy place — a source of freedom and comfort. But as costs crept up, it began to feel out of reach. 

For many patients, Mounjaro has been that same “happy place” — helping them feel healthier, more confident, and more in control. So, it’s understandable that the price rise feels frustrating, even devastating. 

What Does This Mean for Patients? 

We know this change will raise difficult questions: 

• Can I afford to continue treatment? 
• Are there alternatives? 
• Will this affect my weight loss progress? 

These are real concerns. While general practice clinicians don’t prescribe or monitor Mounjaro or Wegovy, we can guide patients to safe, reliable sources of support. 

Safe Places to Find Advice 

• Your GP or NHS weight management service – for personalised clinical advice. 
• Registered private providers (pharmacies or online doctors) – who can prescribe and adjust treatment. 
• Trusted online information – avoid unregulated websites or unverified medicine sources. 

Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Key Differences 

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Acts on two receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). Associated with ~21% weight loss on average. 
• Wegovy (semaglutide): Acts on one receptor (GLP-1). Associated with ~15% weight loss on average. 
• Both: Weekly injections, but only a prescribing clinician can assess which option is best for each patient. 

Some patients may choose to stay on Mounjaro if it’s affordable, others may switch to Wegovy (which recently fell in price), and some may pause medication while focusing on lifestyle and support programmes. 

You’re Not Alone 

If the Mounjaro price rise feels overwhelming, remind patients they are not alone. Many are rethinking their options right now. 

Medicines can be part of the journey, but lasting results also come from routines, support networks, and lifestyle changes. Just like with my caravan story — costs changed how we used it, but we still found joy in different ways. 

Patients can continue their journey too, even if it looks different than they first imagined. 

For Clinicians: Supporting Through Change 

If you’re a clinician helping patients through treatment changes and communication challenges, the Aligned Care Programme offers tools to strengthen listening, guidance, and care — even when the world of medications gets messy. 

Learn more about the Aligned Care Programme → Aligned Care Personalised Care Diploma | MA Training Enterprise

Good medicine is not just about finding the right treatment. It’s about understanding what might stop someone from accepting it.  

She was only thirty, but looked far older. Pale and exhausted, she sank into the chair as though it had taken all her strength just to make it to the appointment. Her voice was quiet, almost apologetic, as she told me she’d been bleeding for seventeen days straight. Not heavily, but enough to drain her. 

She was tired all the time, her hands tingled with pins and needles, and her mood had sunk lower and lower. 

On the surface, it sounded like a routine case of prolonged periods. But when I looked at her blood results from last month, the story became far more serious. Her vitamin B12, folate, and iron levels were all critically low. Left untreated, this kind of deficiency doesn’t just cause fatigue — it can lead to irreversible nerve damage, profound anaemia, and long-term ill health. 

The good news was that the treatment was straightforward: a course of B12 injections and iron supplementation. The bad news? She hadn’t taken any of it. 

When I gently asked why, she told me two things. First, she was terrified of needles. Second, her mother had told her she didn’t need any medicine at all. She had dutifully handed everything back to the pharmacy. 

At that moment, the consultation shifted from a medical puzzle to something far more complex. 

At that moment, the consultation shifted from a medical puzzle to something far more complex. 

NHS Constitution for England 
States patients’ rights to be involved in decisions about their care and to refuse treatment. 
Balances autonomy with the responsibility of clinicians to provide clear, evidence-based advice. 
 
The Dilemma 
As health care professionals, we often talk about our duty to “do no harm” and to act in our patients’ best interests. But what happens when a patient, fully aware of the risks, chooses not to follow through with treatment? And what happens when that choice is shaped not just by personal fear, but by the influence of family or cultural beliefs? 
Autonomy — the right to make your own decisions about your health — is a cornerstone of medical ethics. But autonomy becomes complicated when it’s entangled with fear, misinformation, or pressure from loved ones. Was this young woman truly making her own choice, or was she simply echoing her mother’s voice? 
 
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (if decision-making ability is in doubt) 
Establishes that adults are assumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise. 
Decisions must be respected if made with capacity, even if they seem unwise. 

My Approach 
Instead of diving straight into persuasion, I started with her fear. We talked about what injections meant to her, what images came to mind, what frightened her most. Sometimes naming the fear can take away part of its power. 
Then I explained what would happen if the deficiencies weren’t corrected — not in jargon, but in terms she could connect to: her energy worsening, her mood sinking further, the pins and needles potentially becoming permanent. I reassured her that the injections were safe, quick, and a standard treatment used worldwide. 
Most importantly, I tried to make sure the decision was hers, not her mother’s. 
 

NHS Constitution for England States patients’ rights to be involved in decisions about their care and to refuse treatment. Balances autonomy with the responsibility of clinicians to provide clear, evidence-based advice. 

The Wider Picture 
This consultation stayed with me because it reminded me how health decisions are rarely made in isolation. Culture, family, and fear all weave themselves into the medical story. For some, a parent’s opinion carries as much weight as any prescription. For others, fear of needles is not a trivial barrier, but a genuine block to treatment. 
As a clinician, it would have been easy to focus only on the lab results and the obvious treatment plan. But the real work was in the conversation — in bridging the gap between science and the human experience of illness. 
 
Reflection 
Did she agree to start treatment that day? That part of the story is hers to tell. What matters to me is what I learned: that good medicine is not just about knowing the right answer, but about understanding what might stop someone from accepting it. 
It left me wondering — how many people silently live with treatable conditions, not because they don’t want to get better, but because fear or family belief holds them back? 
 
👉 What would you do if the treatment that could save your health was the very thing you feared the most? 

How we say things is just as important as what we say.

The other day I caught myself mid-sentence, giving a patient advice that sounded… well, very “guideline-y.” Correct, yes. Inspiring? Not so much.
And then I thought: What would I want to hear if I were on the other side of this desk?
That’s where my training in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) kicks in. It reminds me that how we say things is just as important as what we say. The NICE guidelines give us the science; NLP gives us the communication spark that makes it land.

So here are a few NLP-inspired tools I’ve found especially powerful in short general practice consultations that were taught to me by an expert in this field*

 NLP Tools for Everyday Consultations
1. Reframe “Can’t” into “Choose To”
Patients often hear rules and restrictions: “You can’t have this, you must avoid that.”
Try: “You’re choosing foods that protect your kidneys and keep your sugars stable.”
Autonomy beats resistance every time.

2. Future Pacing
Anchor behaviour change in a positive vision.
Ask: “Imagine six months from now with more energy — what difference would that make in your daily life?”
 It shifts the focus from guilt to motivation.

3. Chunking Down
Big goals feel overwhelming. Break them into micro-steps.
“What’s one 1% change you could make this week?”
“What’s the smallest walk you could fit in on your busiest day?”
Tiny actions feel doable and build momentum.

4. Language Matching & Mirroring
Reflect back the patient’s own words and metaphors.
Patient: “It’s like climbing a mountain.”
Nurse: “What would make that climb feel less steep?”
 Builds trust and rapport instantly.

5. The “As If” Frame
Invite patients to step into a new identity.
“If you were already confident about your weight, how would you be acting today?”
Creates space for fresh ideas and self-belief.

6. Reframing Setbacks
Shift failure into feedback.
Patient: “I blew it, I had a takeaway.”
Nurse: “That’s great insight — what did you learn about your trickiest moments?”
Keeps the conversation encouraging, not shaming.

The Takeaway
Clinical guidelines may change our prescribing decisions, but they don’t change the heart of our role: helping people believe change is possible. NLP tools give us language that empowers, not lectures.
For me, blending the science with compassionate communication has been the key — and honestly, it makes consultations lighter, more human, and often more effective.
What language shift could you try in your next consultation because sometimes it isn’t just what we prescribe that saves lives — it’s how we talk about it?
 
Final Thoughts
I didn’t just stumble across these tools on my own — I learnt them through training with Jo Creed, whose NLP teaching showed me how powerful small language shifts can be in practice. It’s been a game-changer, not only for my patients but also for how I think about my own health.
If you’re curious about weaving NLP into your consultations — or even into your own self-talk — I’d really encourage you to explore further. The difference it makes isn’t just in what we say, but in how people feel when they leave the room.
Want to know more? Reach out — because the way we talk to our patients (and ourselves) truly can shape outcomes.
 
 
 

Biggest shake-up in type 2 diabetes care in a decade announced 

Millions of people are set to benefit from earlier access to newer type 2 diabetes treatments – the biggest shake-up in care for a decade – as part of NICE’s commitment to re-evaluate priority clinical pathways described in the 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.  – NICE, 2025

New NICE guidance promises longer lives and healthier hearts — but what happens when the person who teaches it needs to follow it, too? 

The other night I sat down with a cup of tea (and yes, some chocolate) to read the new NICE guidelines on type 2 diabetes. As a nurse, I should probably cheer: finally, a shake-up that makes real sense. As a patient, though? My first thought was: uh oh… these are talking to me, too. 

Here’s the big shift: it’s no longer one-size-fits-all. Instead of automatically handing out metformin, treatment is now tailored to the person in front of us. For many, that could mean an SGLT-2 inhibitor right from the start — not just to control sugar, but to protect the heart and kidneys. For others, especially those with obesity, cardiovascular disease, or a younger diagnosis, a GLP-1 agonist like semaglutide could be offered earlier, with the bonus of weight loss. NICE even says if the NHS gets this right, we could save 22,000 lives. That’s huge. 

It’s not just about tablets. Annual BMI and waist checks are on the cards, with earlier referrals into weight-management programmes. Prevention, not firefighting. 

So where does that leave me? 
Well, somewhere between the guideline-wielding nurse and the chocolate-loving patient who knows she sometimes slips. I’ve seen what complications look like in clinic. I don’t want that future for my patients — or for me. My NLP training reminds me that reframing matters: instead of “I can’t have this,” I’ll try “I choose what fuels me to live longer.” Small mindset shift, big ripple. 

These guidelines aren’t just professional tools. They’re personal ones, too. They remind me I’m both nurse and patient. Someone who teaches, but also needs to listen. Someone who can balance compassion with action. 

And maybe, just maybe, they’ll help me swap a second bar of chocolate for something that future-me will thank me for. 

Let’s talk about something that gets wildly overlooked: nostrils. It’s maddening how often clinicians ignore the nose—as if breathing isn’t fundamental.

Yes, those two little caves we often ignore unless they’re actively running like taps. As clinicians, we pride ourselves on thoroughness — we listen, we percuss, we palpate… but how often do we actually shine a light up the nose?

Here’s a case for the humble pen torch.

Courtney from the office walks in, clearly anxious. She’s been feeling like she’s choking at night. No sore throat. No obvious infection. Two clinicians have already told her there’s not much to do. Understandably, she’s frustrated.

I ask if I can take a quick look up her nose.

She agrees.

Torch out. Nostrils lit.

And there it is: both nasal passages red, swollen — possibly with a polyp in one. It took me seconds. No advanced tools, no ENT degree, just a £2 pen torch and curiosity.
I advised her to start a steroid nasal spray, use steam inhalation, and gave her a brief rundown of allergic rhinitis management.

Today, she bounced into the office to thank me: the doctor confirmed exactly the same. She felt heard, reassured — and validated.

So why do we keep skipping the nose?

Looking up the nostrils can help identify:

• Allergic rhinitis (turbinates pale or swollen)
• Infective rhinitis (red, inflamed mucosa)
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated septum
• Foreign bodies (especially in children)
• Chronic sinus issues
• And treatments like intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. fluticasone, mometasone) are backed by strong evidence.

✅ A 2020 Cochrane review found that intranasal corticosteroids significantly improve nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and itching in allergic rhinitis.

✅ NICE also recommends a trial of intranasal steroids for 2–4 weeks for persistent symptoms.

Yet… we forget to look. So here’s the quirky clinical pearl:

When in doubt — torch it out.

Don’t underestimate the diagnostic power of a glowing pen and a good look up the nostril.

Let’s stop skipping the sniffers and start solving more cases in seconds.

Why Dad’s Care Fell Apart — And What We’re Doing About It

Somewhere on my shelf sits a dog-eared copy of Managing Long Term Conditions, printed in 1984. I bought it back when shoulder pads were power and avocado bathrooms were aspirational. The book smells like dust and quiet wisdom, but the message? Weirdly current.

Because here we are, in 2025, still chasing the same idea: that care should be joined-up, human, and actually about… people. Not bits of disease on a spreadsheet.

Appointments were missed, or duplicated, or lost in admin space-time

It’s something Jo and I talk about often. We’re co-founders of the Aligned Care Programme — not because we had a clever idea in a brainstorming session, but because life gave us both a not-so-gentle shove.

For Jo, it started with her dad. He was admitted with complex conditions, and somehow every part of the system knew a bit about him — but no one seemed to know him. The person. The story.  Jo was left piecing it all together She had to piece it all together like a jigsaw puzzle — except half the pieces were from a completely different box

My family’s experience? Same jigsaw puzzle, different pieces. We’ve had care, yes — some amazing people along the way — but always in fragments. One clinic didn’t know what the other was doing. Appointments were missed, or duplicated, or lost in admin space-time. And at the centre of it all was a person who just wanted to be seen as whole.

This is what the Health Services Safety Investigations Body found in April 2025: fragmented care in the NHS isn’t just frustrating. It’s unsafe. People with long-term or complex conditions are at greater risk of harm because the system expects them (or us, their families) to stitch it all together.

And yet — none of this is new. The book on my shelf said it in 1984. The BMJ said it in 2024. Good general practice works because it’s holistic. GPs who know your history, your quirks, your cat’s name, even. But if we keep slicing up services — one bit for the acute flare-ups, another for the ongoing stuff, and another for anything vaguely social or mental — we break the thread that makes care feel, well, caring.

That’s why Jo and I started the Aligned Care Programme. Not to add another layer of jargon, but to get back to what people actually need: aligned, personalised, joined-up care that sees the full story — not just the diagnosis code.

Because here’s the truth: health is more than biology. It’s biography. And if care doesn’t fit around someone’s story, then it’s just noise.

So maybe — just maybe — the future of healthcare isn’t about reinventing everything. It’s about finally doing the things we’ve known for decades, with a bit of humanity, a bit of curiosity, and a lot more listening. The new NHS plan talks about integration, continuity, and person-centred care — and that gives us hope. But we know from experience that plans alone don’t fix things. People do. Programmes like Aligned Care are here to make sure that vision doesn’t just sit in a PDF — it becomes real for the patients and families who need it most.

“This isn’t a future plan. It’s already happening. And it’s exciting.”

The third snotty child by 10am, all with viral symptoms and a worried parent in tow… and meanwhile, I’ve got a diabetic foot ulcer in Room 3 and an undiagnosed wheeze in Room 4. There has to be a better way.
As an ANP, I see first-hand how much of our clinical time is taken up by minor childhood illnesses — often things that could be managed safely and well elsewhere. And when I say “elsewhere,” I mean: your friendly, accessible, ever-reliable local pharmacist.

Pharmacists and the NHS Long Term Plan: A Perfect Match
The new NHS 10 year plan (2025) places a clear focus on delivering more care in community settings. Pharmacists are front and centre in this shift. With more roles in Primary Care Networks (PCNs), expanded access to training, and growing responsibility in minor illness management, pharmacists are perfectly positioned to support children and their families directly.
This isn’t a future plan. It’s already happening. And it’s exciting.
“Pharmacists are already becoming the first point of contact for so many families. Why not equip you to handle more of what’s already landing on your counter?”

Why Pharmacists Are Perfect for Paediatrics
Parents trust pharmacists. Children are already brought into your consultation spaces for nappy rash creams, colic remedies, and advice on coughs and colds.
With the right training, you could:
– Spot and manage common conditions like conjunctivitis, otitis media, and viral rashes
– Offer safety-netting and know when to escalate
– Reassure anxious parents with confidence and clarity

What Our Course Offers
Our Paediatric Minor Illness Course was designed to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re a community pharmacist, IP, or part of a PCN team, this course gives you:
A structured approach to common paediatric presentations
Guidance on red flags and when to refer
Case studies and real-world scenarios
Practical advice for effective parent communication
CPD accreditation and confidence you can use right away
We’re not turning you into a paediatrician — just giving you the tools to safely manage what you’re already seeing.

From My Perspective: Why It Matters
Here’s the honest truth: when pharmacists are equipped to manage minor childhood illness, I can focus on the more complex stuff. And GPs can too.
We all know the pressure on primary care isn’t going away anytime soon. But when we share the load, everyone benefits:
Children get faster care
Parents get answers without the wait
Clinicians can focus where we’re most needed
“You take the sticky-fingered pressure off me and my GP colleagues — and we all win (especially the kids).”

Want to Know More?
This course is designed to fit around your busy schedule and evolving role as a pharmacist. It aligns with the NHS vision for more community-based, pharmacist-led care — and it’s practical, flexible, and built with you in mind.
We know release for training can be a challenge, so we’ve made it easy:
✅ Two live online half-days (no full days away from practice)
✅ 12-week interactive self-learning module, packed with real-world scenarios and clinical know-how
As one delegate recently put it:
“One of the best courses I’ve ever done.”
👉 Find out more about the course: Live Online – Paediatric Presentations: From Minor Ailments to Red Flags – MA Training Enterprise
Thanks for all you do — and for helping me keep my stethoscope free for the big stuff.

Have questions or want to bring this training to your pharmacy team or PCN? Get in touch — I’d love to chat!

There has been heartbreaking cases in this country where parents’ concerns about their children were not listened to, with some tragically ending in death. 

Although the focus of the report was in Australia and was in hospital settings, I couldn’t help but think:
How often might this be happening in primary care here in England?

Over the years, I’ve seen similar stories shared on social media—parents dismissed, symptoms overlooked, and fragmented care failing to connect the dots. As a nurse and educator, this deeply unsettles me.

In our minor illness courses, we always stress to clinicians:

“Parents know best—listen to them.”
But after today, I’ll be saying it louder.

One particular part of the report struck me hard:

If a parent expressed concern, their child was nearly four times more likely to require intensive care—even when vital signs appeared normal.

Their recommendation? “Include parental concern as a vital sign.” That statement couldn’t be more powerful—or more necessary.

Recently in Bristol, a mother whose son was initially told he might have mumps later found he had leukaemia. Her message?

“Trust your gut instinct—no one knows your child like you do. Keep pushing.”

That really hit home.

As clinicians, we often talk about gut instinct—those quiet nudges that tell us something’s not quite right, even when the numbers don’t scream danger. We trust our own instincts.

So why wouldn’t we value a parent’s instinct just as highly?

This isn’t just about listening. It’s about changing the culture of care—one where we respect, document, and act on what parents are telling us. Not as an afterthought, but as part of our core clinical assessment.

Let’s teach this. Let’s practice this. Let’s make parental concern a red flag in its own right.

Because a gut feeling could save a life.

Live Online – Paediatric Presentations: From Minor Ailments to Red Flags – MA Training Enterprise