Community Matrons
Community matrons specialise in caring for older people, whether they live in their own home or a care home. They help patients manage their health problems and try to prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.
If a patient has to be admitted, they will communicate with the hospital team to ensure a smooth a discharge as possible.
District Nurses
District Nurses carry out many roles. These include:
- General nursing procedures and investigations
- Post-surgery care
- Assessment of patients’ needs
- Care for terminally ill patients
- Loaning of equipment
- Looking after wounds and leg ulcers
- Educating patients about self-care
Referrals can be made by the patients themselves or by carers and family members.
Health Visitors
Health Visitors are qualified nurses with specialist training in child health, health promotion and health education.
Every child under five years old has a named Health Visitor. They can give you advice and information about childhood development, such as feeding, sleeping, communication and behaviour. The Health Visitor can also provide you with information about the childhood vaccination programme and can be a great source of information about local services for young children.