I have recently returned from a holiday to a lovely village in Switzerland about 1.5 hrs from Geneva airport. The countryside was beautiful and we could see mountain ranges and lovely lakes. The thing that interested us the most was the beautiful old, historic buildingd complete with indivual doors and handles. Such craftmanship! It reminded me of hobbit houses in Lord of the Rings - round shaped doors with elaborate doorhandles. No B and Q in sight.
The people were friendly and the weather was very hot and sunny. A beautiful country.

I wonder if many of you are going to be affected by the governement cuts in the NHS? I know alot of services may be changed in a drive to reduce costs and some jobs may be threatened locally. I think it is quite common across the board but perhaps seems more alien to the NHS as we can sometimes feel quite immune to spending cuts. Now I think pensions may be changed, teams structure, skills mixes...and the list continues. I also know of a colleague employed by the council who thinks her whole department will be wiped out. Scary times.

It can also be a time of opportunities for change though. Having family and friends to support us through these difficult times can also be essential. Taking time to still do things we enjoy can prevent low mood lingering too long and making life seem difficult.

Try and keep a balanced mind, enjoy some hobbies and see your friends often until things are looking a bit more settled. Remember there are always people around you who can support you.

Best wishes if your job is currently under threat and I hope there is some thing bigger and better coming along behind it for you.

After buying a new sewing machine recently, I have use it for the first time. We now have curtains in our new guest room/ home office - yippee! We only had about 5cm left of thread at the end, so it was abit of a close thing.

I feel so proud :)

Well I spent last weekend at Chapel St Leonards in the wind and rain. Now I am basking in sunshine whilst trying to work!!

Our integrated way of working with the health visitors is continuing. Does anyone else work in a team like this? How do you find it? I am not sure how our role will continue and what parts we may use or gain as yet. More challenges ahead, I guess.

Our PCT is integrating its children services more and more at the moment. Does anyone else have this arrangement and has it changed your roles much?
I am not sure what will happen in the future but I can see there are some opportunities for positive change ahead. Skill mixed teams have already began to impact on school nurse roles and responsibilities already but with further integration ahead, it may continue to change. I wonder if we will all end up covering 0 - 19years or if we will stay within one team but have responsibility for one age group.
I suppose only time will tell.

I have just accepted a position on the BSc sponorship school nurse degree course. I have never been a school nurse, what have I let myself in for??????

I have been trying to tidy up my garden this weekend. I decided to get a water feature for a nice relaxing noise and to make a feature of one corner. The first one I bought, sounded like a ferocious river and was definitely not right! Luckily, I was able to swap it to a much smaller one and I know have a lovely tricking sound. Much better. I now really fancy a 99 to enjoy it with!

currrntly looking at issues re consent for parents young people to avail of our services has anyone any information please

We are going to be going paperless in May. At first I was really pleased to think I didnt have to keep hunting for records after this next week or so; but then I realised: How on earth am I going to get my computer work done every day?

This has led me to a drink, some chocolate and some relaxation tonight. Just the thought of it makes me feel wobbly. Ah well, Im sure it will seem better after another glass of wine...

After years of working on a term time basis, I worked over Easter recently. What a revelation! I actually had some time to spare for catching up on some paperwork, planning ahead, reading ALL of my emails and sorting through my drawer.

It was a real joy. I felt so orgsanised and in control! I guess it wont last though as the rest of the team will come back next week and work will get back to normal. The phone will start ringing again with a vengeance, letters will pour in, school visits will start again and work will mount up in my drawer. I can't wait!!

Have a good term.