Children’s home nursing care now available at weekends!

Children in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale can now get nursing care, support and advice at home or in the community seven days a week, including the weekend and bank holidays.

The Children’s Community Nursing Team, who grew to a team of 20 earlier this year, are based at Milnrow Health Centre but provide a service for all children in the borough aged up to 16.

Paula Flint, the team’s clinical lead at Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, said: “Our Children’s Community Nurses are all registered nurses with hospital and community experience. They can provide home nursing treatment and support for children after surgery and sudden illness, for example follow-up treatment after a visit to A&E, as well as supporting children with a wide range of long term illnesses and conditions, such as cancer, epilepsy and eczema.

“For many children and teenagers, staying in hospital for long periods, when they would rather be at home, can be an added upset on top of their illness. By nursing children at home, children are able to have a better quality of life, fewer hospital visits and less disruption to their school and family life.”

Any parent, carer or healthcare professional can refer their child into this service by calling 01706 641430. The service is available from Monday to Sunday, 8.00am to 6.00pm.

The team also has specialist nurses for asthma and diabetes. They promote awareness and understanding of the conditions and ensure children with the conditions are able to lead full and active lives. The Asthma nurses are available from Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm on 01706 651967.

A drop-in clinic offering information, help and support in managing asthma runs every Monday (excluding bank holidays) from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at Derby Street Children’s Centre in Heywood. No appointment is necessary.