The NHS Forth Valley Community Nursing services are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Each team is led by a district nurse who has undertaken specialised training in community nursing in the home. We are supported by community staff nurses, healthcare assistants and/or phlebotomists (staff trained to take bloods). The team will carry out an individualised assessment of your needs and work with you to agree a plan to support and manage your health.

Who can make a referral?

GPs, social work, hospital staff. Relatives or carers can also make a referral to the service. All referrals will be prioritised according to need.

Referrals will be accepted if the patient is housebound or requires skills that are specific to the community nurse. Patients who need help with personal hygiene, bathing, meals, housework, day care, respite, getting up, going to bed or toileting will be assessed by Social Services.

Services may include:

• Heath Promotion/Education to promote self management and healthy lifestyle.
• Care and support for patients with long term conditions.
• Assessment for equipment to promote and maintain independence.
• Support and nursing care for palliative and terminally ill patients.
• Help and support to carers/families.
• Wound management.
• Complex clinical procedures.
• Assessment for bladder and bowel issues.
• Referral  to other professionals and agencies to support you to remain at home.

Response time

The District Nursing Service is not an emergency service. If a nurse is required urgently, they will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible to assess your needs.

Everyone referred to this service will be prioritised and visited within a practical timescale.

Help your Community Nursing Team

• You can help the Community Nursing Team when they visit by ensuring:
• There is safe access to your home and that pets are kept under control.
• That the Community Nursing Record folder that you will be given is available for the nurse to complete at every visit. These nursing records will remain in your home and it will be your responsibility to keep them safe.
• There is a quiet place where you feel comfortable, that can be used for assessment, treatment or giving advice.
• You refrain from smoking during the course of the visit.
• You advise us if you require support, such as an interpreter or someone to sign if you are deaf.