District Nursing Service
Information for Patients and Carers
We believe patients are entitled to high quality care, while respecting confidentiality, dignity, multi cultural and religious beliefs.
We believe in working in close partnership with family, carers and other social and allied health professionals to provide a seamless, patient focussed service.
We are knowledgeable and highly skilled professionals providing quality care to patients in our community.
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format eg Braille, easy read or audio please contact the Equality and Diversity Department at:
Fife-uhb.equalityanddiversity@nhs.net or telephone 01383 565142
How can I be referred to the District Nursing Service?
You can be referred to the district nursing service by your GP. You can also contact the district nurses direct on : 01592 871430.
What can I do to help my District Nurse?
- Make sure the nurse will be able to get into your home
- Make sure that your pets are kept safely in another room while the nurse is there
- Do not smoke during the nurses’ visit
- Have a friend or relative let the nurse know if you are in hospital
Nurses will either require to: wash their hands or use a gel provided by the NHS to ensure their hands are hygienically clean.
Will I see the same nurse every visit?
It won’t always be the same nurse that visits you. We work as part of a large team. All nurses in the team have the knowledge, skills and expertise to meet you health needs. All the members of the team will respect your patient confidentiality.District Nurses help to train student nurses. Sometimes with your permission they may visit to help with your care.If you have any concerns/problems the Charge Nurse (who wears navy blue) is the best person to discuss this with.
What does the District Nursing Service do?
- Works together with other agencies to help you stay in your own home
- Provides ongoing nursing care to help you get better or meet longer term health needs eg Diabetic care
- Can support management of continence issues
- Provides you with information and support to help you to maintain and improve your health
- Provides wound care
- Assists patients and family members to care for their relatives
- Provides palliative and end of life care.We do not normally carry out or collect medication or medical supplies. It is up to you to arrange the collection of your prescriptions from the chemist.The district nurse will visit your home and if you require nursing care and you are housebound. “Housebound” means that you are unable to leave your home or use any form of transport to get to the treatment room or clinic.Your district nurse will work together to identify what your health needs are. Together you will agree a plan of care to meet those needs.
What happens if I need a nurse in the evening or at weekends?
NHS 24 - telephone number - 111
If you have a nursing emergency after 5pm, during the night, at the weekend or on Public Holidays please contact:
If your plan of care has been identified that you need a visit your district nurse will arrange for someone from the community nursing service to come.