What is a District Nurse?

District nurses devise a plan of care based on assessment of a patient’s nursing requirements. They carry out clinical procedures both to housebound individuals and within a clinical environment, and provide advice on promoting health and preventing ill-health.

Procedures include dressings, post operative care, leg ulcer management, ear syringing, venepuncture, incontinence advice, palliative care, central line/TPN management, enteral feeding and administration of medicines.

The district nurses’ clinical skills are enhanced by regular training and development updates, and they are involved in working groups such as Nurse Prescribers Group. The role also extends to teaching and co-ordinating students, and working in a pro-active, multi-disciplinary team with medical, para-medical and social services.

To visit housebound patients in their own homes, a referral is needed from the patient’s own GP for any new treatment.

First Contact Physiotherapist

First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) are physiotherapists based in GP surgeries with an expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Patients can see an FCP by speaking to the GP practice receptionist or by being referred by their GP. By making it easier for patients to access physiotherapist, patients will have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, helping them to manage their conditions more effectively and recover faster.

We have two FCPs at Blackford House:

• Joanna Surgeon – Female
• Matthew Roberts – Male