Opinion  

The Queen's Nursing Institute has supported this option through our nurse partner network, which has nearly 300 members, since 2005. Not all members are partners: some are exploring the possibility or in negotiations with their GP partners.

Common queries to our network members include how financial partnerships work, what share they should expect of practice profits, and how to convince GPs of their value. It is noticeable how few GPs are aware of the benefits of having a nurse partner; and how little nurses expect in the way of equity and fair treatment.

I would encourage all practice nurses interested in this option to join our network and make use of the resources on our website (www.qni.org.uk). And then to go to their GPs with increased confidence in their worth, based on the knowledge gained from the network, and the endorsement of the RCGP chair.

Rosemary Cook, director, Queen's Nursing Institute