New Arrangements for Contacting the District Nursing Service During Evening and Night Time

30/10/2007

On 1 November 2007, Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust will be introducing new arrangements for contacting the District Nursing Service during evening and night time.

From that date, people in Gloucestershire who need urgent and skilled nursing care, advice and support between 4.30pm and 8am (7 days a week) and all day and night at weekends and bank holidays will only need to call one number for help.

Patients will be able to speak in person to a member of staff who will arrange their district nursing care.

The new district nursing teams will be based in both rural and urban locations across the county and nurses will continue to travel to visit patients within their homes or in the community.

Patients will benefit from a more co-ordinated service with the same high standards of care provided to patients wherever they happen to live in the county.

Director of Care Services, John Ford said:

“Patients will receive the same high levels of care, but for the first time will also benefit from a single phone line and a dedicated member of staff to talk to who will arrange their care for them.”

Operations and Development Manager (District Nursing), Rose Toson said:

“The service has been designed to ensure that everyone living in Gloucestershire experiences equal access to services. The central call system means we will be able to despatch work to teams who will work flexibly across the county. “

The district nursing service will also work closely with other Out of Hours services ensuring that the most appropriate care is provided to the patient.

The new number will be: 08454 220 555

Leaflets describing the new arrangements are being delivered to patients and are also available from GP surgeries and hospitals.