The DH has launched the first phase of its model for district nursing, calling on community nurses to ‘take the lead' in six key areas.
These comprise helping patients to stay independent; working with patients to provide a positive experience; delivering care and measuring its impact; building and strengthening leadership; ensuring the right staff with the right skills are in the right place and supporting a positive staff experience through training and development.
Speaking yesterday, at a conference in London hosted by the Queen's Nursing Institute, Viv Bennett DH director of nursing and the government's principal adviser on public health nursing said: ‘Some of the focus around community nursing has been lost and there has been lots of media attention around hospitals. There is not enough visibility in the community and the first part of our strategy is for community nursing. I want it in the spotlight.'
The DH has asked for feedback on the draft document from community nurses around issues including the role of technology in supporting care in the home; responding to vulnerable adults; working with patients' family and friends; providing a smooth transition from primary to secondary care; respecting patients' homes; and developing nurse leaders of the future through excellent practice placements.
This will be followed by wider consultation with other stakeholders, with the final draft expected in February 2013.
Ms Bennett's announcement comes weeks after the DH launched its vision for nurses, midwives and caregivers, focusing on ‘six Cs': care, compassion, courage, commitment, competence and communication.