Gestation stall housing for pregnant sows (Sus scrofa) has been, or is being, phased out in many parts of the world in response to public criticism. However, in Brazil, one of the largest global producers and exporters of pork, gestation stall housing is still common. The objective of this study was to explore the views of Brazilians, including participants associated (ALP) or not with livestock production (NotALP), on gestation stall housing. Participants were provided the option of accessing a short text describing the housing system and a video of pregnant sows housed in either individual or group housing. Participants (ALP; n = 176, NotALP; n = 173) were asked to state their position on housing pregnant sows in individual stalls and to provide the reason(s) justifying their position. More NotALP (87%) participants than ALP (69%) participants rejected individual stalls. More participants (85%) that accessed the optional information rejected the stalls than those (71%) that did not. Qualitative analyses revealed that animal welfare, most often in reference to animal sentience, freedom of movement and ethics, was the main justification given for rejecting gestation stalls. Those in favour of individual stalls justified their position with statements such as improved production, handling and animal health, and reduced aggression. This qualitative, exploratory study, based on a convenience sample of participants, does not represent the views of Brazilian society; however, it identified some shared values between participants associated with livestock production and those that are not. Our findings highlight that opposition to gestation stalls for sows reflects an ethical position regarding the treatment of livestock and should not be interpreted as support for group housing in confined systems.

Primary care policy and practice in Northern Ireland is unique for two main reasons: unlike elsewhere, Northern Ireland has an integrated health and social services system and the primary care reforms witnessed in many countries have not, as yet, taken place in Northern Ireland. This paper is based on a study in Northern Ireland that aimed to review the role and function of community nursing with reference to new developments in practice, education, research and policy. Service commissioning was one of many areas explored within the study and is the main focus of this paper. The study commenced with focus groups of community nurses (n = 38), general practitioners (GPs) (n = 14) and public representatives (n = 8). This was followed by a two stage Delphi investigation using self-report questionnaires. In addition, data from 34 senior policy makers were collected using semi-structured interviews. The research was primarily carried out in Northern Ireland but involved GPs, community nurses and members of the public from the Republic of Ireland. Findings from all these data sources suggest that there is a perception that community nurses do not have the skills to take a lead role in the commissioning of services, that they require intensive training to take on such roles, and those who do should have equal remuneration with GPs who are involved in service commissioning. Recommendations are offered in the form of action points to guide future practice and policy.