District Nursing

We are a team of nurses who work with patients in the community who require nursing care. The team includes nurses who hold a specialist practitioner qualification in District Nursing, community staff nurses and health care support workers.

We provide nursing care to patients who are housebound, or whose nursing needs are best met at home. When we have been asked to see you, a home visiting assessment form is completed with you to find out if you are eligible for a home visit. If you are able to get out and about either independently or with help we may ask you to come in to the health centre for your treatment.

We work closely with the GP's, hospitals and other community care services including social services.

The teams are based in your local Health Centre.

Will I have a named nurse?

You may see all of our team members. However, the District Nurse will lead the management of your visits and your care plan.

Visiting times cannot be guaranteed, but wherever possible the team will inform you if it is to be morning afternoon or evening.

How long will the district nurse visit me at home?

We will visit you for as long as nursing care is needed, until:
the health problem we are visiting you for is resolved
you are able to get to the Health Centre to see a nurse for your treatment
it is more appropriate for you to be cared for by someone else e.g. social services

Visiting professionals

Occasionally, we may visit with other health care colleagues or students, who are learning about community nursing. Wherever possible we will tell you before this happens.

If you are unhappy about this in any way, then please let your nurse know.

Supplies

You may need equipment, dressings or medicine and your nurse may supply some of these or advise where you can get these.

Where possible, family or carers should collect these from a chemist, or the chemist may deliver these for you if you ask them.

Comments or questions

If you have any comments or questions about the District Nursing service,
please speak to -

• one of the District Nursing Team
• our Community Nurse Manager

If you have any other questions or comments please ask. Your comments are valuable. They help us improve and change our service for the benefit of other patients and users.