Community Health Services

Networks and teamwork

The aim of our Community Services is to help residents live independent and healthy lives in their own homes - for as long as they choose and are able to do so. Our teams include social workers, district nurses and occupational therapists, all of whom provide care that responds directly to people’s needs.

Care is also delivered by a team of specialist and consultant nurses who also work across acute services, including diabetes, cancer care, palliative care, continence, respiratory, pain management, tissue viability and stroke management.

In addition, the Home Care service offers assistance to clients by providing help with personal care such as bathing, showering, getting dressed, preparing light meals, undertaking household chores, shopping and collecting prescriptions.

The focus is on promoting and maintaining individualised care within the client’s chosen surroundings, enabling them to realise their full potential by achieving the highest possible level of independence.

On such a small island, teamwork is helped by the fact that healthcare and social-sector professionals tend to know each other and have established close working relationships. Most practitioners are easily contactable and able to respond quickly to ensure good client care.

Communication is also made easier by having all three Community Teams based in the same building. Each led by an experienced manager, these multi-disciplinary teams are attached to GP practices, but operate island-wide. Nursing care is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Other community services include a Rapid Response Team, aiming to prevent avoidable emergency admissions to hospital; Meals on Wheels; client transport; a handyman; shopping support; and a sitting service.