Some really intersting observations in this article. I wholeheartedly agree with the difficulties nurses face should they wish to set up as independent service providers under the 'social enterprise' banner. Many of us lack the finacnces and business acumen to do so without help, but hwere do we get this from? Banks may be very reluctant to assist without a large financial committment from the nurse(s); in todays current financial climate loans are both difficult and expensive. PCTs are unlikely to assist financially, but may be able to offer accommodation and IT resources; however they would also expect this to be acknowledged in the level of funds provided for the services they commission. Money and politics made very poor bed fellows! And where are these specialist chronic care nurses going to come from to provide the services? If GPs provide these then they will expect to be reimbursed appropriately, and that HAS to include the appropriate level of salary for such nurses; we have been the financial under dogs for far too long. Nurses have continued to increase their professional skills and expertice in order to provide quality patient services in primary care, but the medical profession seem to still consider this a 'vocational trait' rather than professioanl progression.
Opinions are just that - they are not the same for each individual, although some may be of the same mind. Martin :o)