District nurses
District nurses assess, plan and manage the care of sick and disabled patients of all ages in the patient’s own home, GP surgery and residential nursing homes and also provide support for their carers.
Individual care is planned, and advice on further help or services is given including health education. Anyone at home can self-refer to this service. They have a close liaison with the Hospital, GPs, the local hospice and other specialized services. They administer drugs, give injections, dress wounds, take blood samples and give personal care. The district nurses are in regular contact with the practice
Health visitors
They operate out of Hester’s Way Resource Centre. Health visitors are qualified nurses and have additional training in child health and development, will monitor your child’s growth and development, answer any child health queries and help mothers to cope with children under five, advising on things like hygiene, safety, feeding and sleeping. They also co-ordinate child immunisation programmes and organise special clinics or drop-in centres.
Health visitors can also provide you with help and information regarding such issues as emotional problems, relationship difficulties, family planning and health problems and advise on healthy eating, keeping warm and getting the right exercise.