Have a question?
Send enquiry
Message sent Close

Blog

April Newsletter

No Comments

As the daffodils bloom and Easter leaves behind a trail of chocolate and renewal, we at Belmatt Healthcare Training are gearing up for a vibrant season of growth, learning, and transformation in healthcare. With longer days and rising pollen counts, it’s a perfect time to refresh your clinical knowledge while enjoying the promise of summer. With spring in full bloom, hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is once again on the rise, affecting approximately 1 in 5 people in the UK. Triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, symptoms typically peak between March and September, with grass pollen being the most common culprit. An estimated 16 million individuals in the UK are affected by hay fever, and the 2024 allergy season saw an 8% increase in prescriptions for antihistamines compared to 2023—likely linked to warmer temperatures and an extended pollen season. NHS Digital data also reported a 12% rise in A&E attendances among children aged 6–12 for allergy-related complaints during the spring and early summer months.

The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) recommends a stepwise approach to treatment, beginning with oral antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine and intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone propionate. Combination sprays (e.g., Dymista), allergen avoidance, and in severe or persistent cases, sublingual immunotherapy (e.g., Grazax) are also supported. New guidance from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in 2025 encourages early pre-season initiation of nasal corticosteroids, particularly in children. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) emphasises the importance of controlling allergic rhinitis to prevent asthma exacerbations, noting that poorly managed hay fever can significantly increase asthma-related emergency ad

For clinicians managing these patients, our upcoming Respiratory Update Webinar—led by specialist pharmacist Ameet Gordhan—will cover the latest GINA 2024, SIGN, and BTS guidance on asthma and allergic rhinitis, providing practical tips for integrated care and improved patient outcomes.

 NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan – Year 1 Progress:

  • A 9% increase in student nurse intake
  • 3,000 new GP training posts filled
  • Investment in Advanced Practice training hubs is expected to double by 2026. 

Spotlight on Advanced Practice: Investment Set to Double by 2026

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan outlines a significant commitment to expanding the Advanced Practice (AP) workforce—a critical move to address growing demand, service backlogs, and workforce shortages across primary and urgent care. One of the key announcements in early 2025 is the doubling of investment in Advanced Practice training hubs by 2026.

These regional hubs, often led by Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) in partnership with Health Education England (HEE), coordinate funded placements, supervision, and educational support for practitioners training to become Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs), including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. With the planned increase in investment, more funded ACP placements will become available across primary care, urgent care centres, and community settings. This funding will also enhance the supervisory infrastructure, ensuring trainees receive structured, high-quality mentorship and workplace-based assessments. Additionally, the expansion of training opportunities into specialist areas such as frailty, paediatrics, urgent care, and mental health is expected, supporting a broader, more resilient advanced practice workforce.

At Belmatt Healthcare Training, many of our course participants are aspiring ACPs, currently working as practice nurses, clinical pharmacists, physician associates, or urgent care practitioners, and looking to build the skills required for autonomous roles. This national investment directly supports the kind of structured learning and development Belmatt offers. Here’s how:

  • Course Alignment: Our courses are mapped against the 4 pillars of Advanced Practice (Clinical, Leadership, Education, and Research), making them suitable for your CPD portfolio and supervision requirements.
  • Competency Development: Practical sessions—such as our 3-day Minor Illness Course, Physical Examination Workshops, and Blood Results Interpretation Courses—directly feed into workplace capabilities required by ACP frameworks.
  • Flexibility for Career Progression: Whether you’re preparing for a university MSc programme or fulfilling CPD gaps in a workplace training plan, our flexible classroom and online delivery supports practitioners balancing clinical duties and education.
  • Commissioning Opportunities: We’re working closely with PCNs, training hubs, and ICSs to deliver in-house ACP-aligned training. If you’re in 

With summer on the horizon, we invite you to re-energise your clinical skills with our range of CPD-accredited, expertly delivered courses, whether you’re upskilling in primary care, urgent care, or advanced practice. Upcoming Courses:

Minor Injuries Course and Musculoskeletal Disorders Webinar

As we step into the warmer months, many of us are eager to spend more time outdoors—gardening, hiking, cycling, or enjoying sports with family and friends. But with increased activity comes a seasonal surge in minor injuries, from sprains and strains to insect bites, cuts, and fractures. Whether it’s a twisted ankle on the lawn, a gardening-related laceration, or shoulder pain from weekend tennis, clinicians in primary care and urgent care settings are likely to see a noticeable rise in musculoskeletal (MSK) and minor trauma presentations during the summer.To help practitioners stay confident and competent in managing these cases, we’re offering our  Minor Injuries Course  from 14–16 July 2025—a hands-on, classroom-based programme ideal for those working in urgent care, general practice, or walk-in centres. The course covers limb assessments, wound care, burns, sling application, and red flag identification. And for those seeking deeper insights into MSK injuries and chronic disorders, don’t miss our Musculoskeletal Disorders Conference on 24 September 2025. This one-day event brings together expert speakers to explore assessment techniques, diagnostic tools, referral pathways, and rehabilitation strategies for common MSK conditions.

Stay Connected

 Visit our website for our full course calendar: www.belmatt.co.uk  For in-house training or group bookings, email us at: [email protected]

 Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram for daily updates, healthcare insights, and early bird offers.

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” – Leo Tolstoy


Let’s plan yours, together.

Warm regards,
The Belmatt Team
Delivering knowledge, developing confidence.