A PLYMOUTH University course for nurses working with GPs has become the first to receive a special honour.

The Foundations of General Practice Nursing course has become the first nursing programme to be accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

The accreditation formally acknowledges the course's impact and highlights the importance of nursing education to the general practice community.

Fiona Cook, lecturer in general practice nursing from the University's School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: "It has been an exciting journey developing the role and scope of the General Practice Nursing team in the South West.

"We are hopeful that national recognition through the RCGP and the support we are providing initiatives across the UK will further encourage the development of programmes across the country so that the provision of high- quality, competence-focused education becomes the norm, rather than the exception, for general practice nurses."

The course has been highlighted as a model programme nationally and played a critical role in developing capacity and capability within the South West.

Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "The RCGP is committed to the professional development of the whole general practice team.

"Nurses are an important part of that, and play a vital role in providing patients with high-quality care in GP surgeries across the country.

"Programmes like this, which are accredited by the RCGP, are developed with GPs specifically for healthcare professionals working in general practice and have shown that they meet the college's quality criteria."