As I write this editorial, Christmas is upon us and 2017 is drawing to a close. Here at Education for Health, there has been much to celebrate during our 30th anniversary year and planning is well underway for our course delivery in 2018. As a charity, we are driven by our mission to improve the lives of people living with long-term conditions. General practice nurses (GPNs) play a pivotal role in making this happen. We are hugely influential and significant people. As clinicians, we are all involved in some way with promoting healthy lifestyles, and for many people we are the linchpin to facilitate the achievement of effective, sustainable change. This issue of the journal includes some provocative articles that push boundaries and challenge thinking. Be sure to read Cate Wood’s thoughtful article on screening, which covers everything you need to know from background, definition and criteria through to ethical dilemmas (pp. 42–45).

Stroke remains a global killer. Prevention is key and we need to take action. Find out what we can do as GPNs from Esmee Russell, the Stroke Association’s head of prevention and campaigns (pp. 38–41).

When we think of Christmas and New Year, we think of social events and good times with family and friends. No one likes to feel left out, and in particular this can have a detrimental effect on our children and adolescents. Longterm conditions can inhibit, cause stigma and affect quality of life. You can check out the dilemma faced by many of our younger generation in our feature on asthma and adolescents, and pick up some top tips for how GPNs can help to make a positive difference.

In addition, this issue is packed with articles relevant to GPNs and the breadth of diversity of our role. 

2017 has brought many challenges and the remit of the GPN continues to expand. It is heartening that we now have a  national GPN framework with a sound career structure of clearly defined roles. 2018 looks to be the year of the GPN, and I wish each and every one of you joy and fulfilment in your work.

Happy New Year!
Rhian Last, editor-in-chief