A SPECIAL presentation event was held at Ards Hospital last week to recognise the valuable work carried out by community nursing teams.
According to the South Eastern Trust, over 80% of health and social care services in the region are carried out by these staff members.
The medics are often tasked with going to a patient’s home to carry out needed medical procedures, providing end-of-life care and aiding others with chronic illnesses.
The event by the South Eastern Trust featured a range of presentations showcasing the work of these dedicated medics and the positive impact they have on patients’ lives.
One community nurse, Rebecca Budde, said the event was a ‘great opportunity’ to reflect on the work they do.
“The event was a great opportunity to reflect on the work that community staff undertake to enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients,” said Rebecca.
“It is important to be able to deliver care at home to those patients who want treatment in their own environment. I love to meet patients in their own homes, community nursing provides continuity of care, within an acute setting you are treating people and then sending them home.
“Within the community setting, we are treating patients with chronic conditions every day, so it is lovely to be able to build a rapport with them.”
In attendance at the event was the Director of Primary Care and Older People, Clare-Marie Dickson. “It is fantastic to be able to celebrate with community nursing staff right across the Trust’s area, because what they do, all day, every day is to be recognised,” she said.
“This event showcases everything from what happens in the home with our patients, with palliative and end of life patients to what happens in treatment rooms. It also highlighted new roles such as advanced nurse practitioners within district nursing. It is great to be able to show the breadth of those skills.”
