Our community Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) have advanced knowledge and experience of palliative and end-of-life care. CNS work alongside your usual care providers, such as your GP or district nurse, to help manage your symptoms.
They support patients and families at home with symptom control, pain management, advice on difficult emotional, spiritual issues and understanding what is happening. Once the CNS has supported you with advice or treatment, and they have monitored your needs, your usual care routine will resume. This may include support from one of our healthcare professionals, your GP or district nurse or another health professional.
Our Community Healthcare Assistants (CHCA’s) give personal care to patients who have a sudden increase in care needs, providing short term support, normally until statutory services can arrange carers for the longer term.
Personal care includes things such as: washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing & changing position.
CHCA’s are not Registered Nurses so cannot be responsible for giving you medication, but they may assist you to take your medicine.
If your needs change and you need the support of a CNS again, they will arrange to reassess your situation and work with you again to provide the support that best suits you.
In addition to our CNS and CHCA service, we offer a Community Volunteer Service which offers patient support. Our volunteers can come and spend time with you while your normal carers take a break. They can help with practical tasks like making drinks and snacks, or simply stay and chat, take a walk or read to you. They are not allowed to provide nursing or personal care.
If you would like to take advantage of this service, please call OneCall on 0800 567 0111
OneCall is our specialist 24/7 telephone helpline, here to help you, family, carers and professionals.
0800 567 0111 calls are free from a BT landline.
Call OneCall if you have a sudden and unexpected onset of symptoms or difficulties relating to your illness.
