Nursing, as with all professions, is ever evolving. Time and time again the question of what is nursing and where can the profession go is discussed and debated. These discussions include, ‘do the fundamentals of being a nurse ever change?’, ‘can nursing and the responsibilities of a nurse be compartmentalised?’ This paper adds to the debate with thought provoking questions.

The treatment of colorectal cancer is constantly evolving and improving, with improved survival and quality of life.  This paper looks at the data, over a 12 year period, of patients with early rectal cancer and how a combination of short course radio therapy, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy alongside local excision can aid in organ preservation.

Acute kidney injury and avoidable readmission to hospital following discharge has been in the press a great deal. This is not only for the impact it can have on an individual but the financial cost to the NHS. This paper used a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to better understand the major factors associated with readmission after discharge following ileostomy formation.

Unconscious bias and discriminatory behaviour can occur in any setting. When it happens within the health and social care setting there can be major emotional and psychological effects to the individual being cared for. This case study looks at the some of issues facing ostomates within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. It discusses how, as a profession, we can act as role models and be more inclusive in health care provision.