If nursing care or support at home is required, a community nurse could help.
Community nurses are registered nurses who work in the community: in people’s homes, in schools and in local surgeries and health centres. The people they work with may be ill or disabled. Community nurses also look after people whose health may be particularly vulnerable, such as older people, children, or people with learning difficulties. They visit people at home to provide health care, for example, changing dressings or giving injections and help people get any home nursing aids and equipment they need.
Community nurses can provide help and advice on a wide range of health issues. They may also teach families and carers basic care giving skills. They work closely with GPs, local social services and hospitals. The GP can refer the patient to a community nursing service.