A better way to die.

When palliative care expert Jane Carpenter's homeless cousin died in a traffic accident and a post-mortem revealed he had advanced cancer, she decided to make a difference for others like him.

Gardening your way to health.

A King's Fund report published in May found overwhelming evidence of the beneficial effects of gardening on physical and mental wellbeing.

Taking the plunge with lipoedema.

Women wait decades for an accurate diagnosis of lipoedema. Earlier diagnosis is essential to prevent the condition progressing to lymphoedema, with its risk of life-threatening cellulitis.

Raising the standard of brain cancer care.

Survival rates for people with brain cancer are poor, and some patients do not receive the specialist support they need. Nurse specialist Ingela Oberg calls for earlier diagnosis and improved access to nurse-led clinics and rehabilitation services.

Shaping the future of epilepsy care.

Juliet Ashton has a national role supporting CCGs to improve epilepsy services. Her role involves raising healthcare professionals' awareness of this complex and under-resourced condition, and working closely with clinical commissioning groups to redesign services and encourage investment.

Acute teams respond to emergency cancer call.

Acutely ill cancer patients who present at A&E can receive inadequate care. Innovative acute oncology services are being introduced to fill gaps in emergency staff's knowledge and ensure rapid referral to appropriate care.

Easing ICU trauma.

There is growing awareness that patients in intensive care can be severely stressed by their experiences and are at risk of developing mental health problems. A major trial, beginning in a London ICU, will test simple nursing techniques that may reduce patients' stress, and offer support to patients who are most affected.

A technological approach.

Interventional radiology is a growth area for nurses. The micro-invasive procedures are safer for patients than conventional surgical techniques. They are also highly rewarding for nurses who enjoy working with technology and supporting patients, says specialist nurse Mary Donnelly.

Another first for nursing.

Traditionally, doctors have ordered blood transfusions, but nurses are learning to take on this role. Since his training last year, nurse practitioner and prescriber Steve Wright has been authorising blood transfusions on a surgical ward in a London hospital and seeing the benefits for patients.

It pays to exercise.

Physical activity during and after cancer treatment can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, help patients retain their independence and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Nurses should encourage patients and survivors to keep active and prescribe exercise where appropriate.

'We own this service'.

A reorganisation of emergency services at Rochdale Infirmary has opened the way for a new kind of clinical assessment service. The short-stay unit provides a rapid diagnostic and treatment service. Nursing staff are encouraged to report concerns and put ideas for improvement into action.

Strength in numbers.

Community matrons have complex caseloads and often work in isolation, supporting patients with chronic illness to stay out of hospital. In south London a community matrons network is helping senior nurses to establish links with one another, keep up to date and tackle variations in the quality of care they deliver to patients.

A change in attitudes.

The British Thoracic Society has issued national quality standards for the diagnosis, treatment and management of the chronic lung disease bronchiectasis. Despite being the third most common lung disease in the UK, the condition is often overlooked by clinicians. The new standards should help more patients manage the condition at home.

Speeding up diagnosis.

A two-year project exploring lung cancer treatment services in England highlighted inconsistencies and an overly medicalised approach. The findings can help nurses tailor more effective lung cancer care for patients.

Regenerating liver care.

A free online toolkit has been launched to increase nurses's awareness of liver disease and provide them with the information they need to support patients. The toolkit reflects growing concern about the increasing numbers of people in the UK who are dying from a largely preventable disease.

Struggling in silence.

Women who have been treated for breast cancer can experience an early menopause or the return of symptoms such as hot flushes years after they have been through the menopause. Grateful to have survived cancer, they may be reluctant to seek help for menopausal symptoms. A breast cancer menopause clinic is providing tailored support.