This week’s primary school assembly and classroom discussions focus on the essential roles nurses play and explore the impact of recent news regarding the UK-wide nurses’ strike. What’s Happening in the News? Nurses belonging to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union have made history by voting for the union’s first UK-wide strike in its 106-year existence. This industrial action will include RCN members from over half of hospitals and community healthcare teams across the UK. Emergency care, however, will remain unaffected during the strike. Pat Cullen, the General Secretary of the RCN, said nurses have faced unfair conditions and pay, leading to this significant decision. She highlighted that the strike is not only for the benefit of the nurses but also patients, as ongoing staffing shortages are seriously impacting access to healthcare. Nursing vacancies have reached an all-time high, resulting in staff working longer hours and often finishing their shifts much later than scheduled. How Does This Make Us Feel? News such as this can prompt a range of emotions. People may feel sad, worried, or even frustrated about the situation. Some may feel grateful for the dedication nurses demonstrate, while others might feel concerned about the pressures faced by healthcare workers. It’s important to reflect on our own feelings and discuss them openly in classroom settings. The Roles and Responsibilities of Nurses Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, making up the largest group of healthcare professionals globally. They provide vital care in hospitals and clinics, working closely with doctors and other healthcare staff. Some key responsibilities of nurses include assessing patients’ health, administering medication, changing bandages, helping patients move, and providing various forms of treatment. The Importance of Nurses Kate Garrett, a former hospital patient from Liverpool, described nurses as “the glue that holds our health service together,” emphasizing their indispensable contribution to healthcare. Why Are Nurses Taking Action? Several factors have led to the nurses’ strike: Many nurses are working extra and longer hours to cover severe staffing shortages. Staffing pressures have been intensified as some nurses have left the profession. Nurses’ wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, leading some to rely on food banks. Nurses and their union believe striking is essential to achieve positive changes for healthcare staff and patient care. Understanding Jobs Across the NHS The NHS (National Health Service) is made up of a wide range of roles, all playing a part in helping unwell or injured people. Besides nurses, some of the varied NHS jobs include: Porter: Moves patients, notes, and equipment around hospitals. Surgeon: A doctor who carries out operations. Optician: Tests sight and treats eye conditions. Paramedic: Provides emergency medical care in urgent situations. Midwife: Delivers babies and cares for expectant parents. Dentist: Examines teeth and treats dental conditions. Receptionist: Greets patients and organises appointments at healthcare facilities. Each of these roles is crucial, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and collaboration in healthcare. Many people work together to ensure the best care possible. How Should We Show Gratitude to Workers? Members of society have varied opinions on the best ways to demonstrate appreciation for healthcare workers and others who help us: Some suggest small gestures like saying “thank you” or marking special days, such as National Teaching Assistants’ Day. Others feel that workers should be valued through improved pay and working conditions. A few believe gratitude is less important since people are paid for their jobs, while others recommend deeper gestures like writing letters or making donations. Reflecting on these different perspectives can help children understand why gratitude matters and encourage them to think about how they might show appreciation to those who help them. Key Vocabulary Explained During discussions, it’s helpful to understand some key words related to the news this week: Strike: When workers stop work to protest working conditions or pay. Union: An organisation that represents workers, protecting their rights and negotiating with employers. Healthcare: Services that maintain or improve people's health. Conditions: Circumstances or factors affecting someone at work. Crucial/Vital: Extremely important or essential. Discussion Questions for the Classroom Consider these points in your classroom or assembly discussion: Why are nurses striking now? How might this action affect patients and healthcare staff? What are the different roles in the NHS? Which do you find most interesting? Have you ever shown gratitude to someone at work? What did you do? What skills are important for working as part of a team in a hospital or any workplace? Are some jobs more important than others? Home Discussion Ideas Ask your family about their experiences with the NHS. Do you know anyone who works in healthcare? Which jobs do they do, and what impact does their work have on others? Reflection on Fair Pay and Working Conditions Nurses play a critical role from the very start to the end of our lives. It is vital that their contributions are recognised and rewarded through fair pay and decent working conditions. As the nurses’ strike highlights, the well-being of healthcare workers is closely linked to the quality of care provided to everyone. 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