Latest Newsletter
The latest Newsletter, Spring 2010, contains
- Over to YOU!
- Case Management
- Recycling Unused Medication
- Church Street Patient's Diabetes Group
- Oxfordshire Link
- Seasonal Flu Clinics
- Why?
- Minor Illness
- Repeat Prescribing
- Blood Pressure Self-Testing
- Sole Mates
The Newsletter is prepared and compiled by, and on behalf of, patients of Church Street Practice. Suggestions, articles, letter and ideas for future newsletters, and this website, are always welcome. Please email May or Jean.
OXFORDSHIRE COMMUNITY HEART FAILURE SERVICE
This service is a relatively new initiative that has been established to Drovide support to patients with chronic heart failure, their families and carers.
Heart failure is a chronic Ions term condition; often the burden of living with this syndrome is great, feedback received from patients so far is that having a specialist nurse who is able to give both practical and psychological support is of great value and can make a real difference to their everyday life.
The service is run by heart failure specialist nurses who are based in primary care, but is funded for three years by The British Heart Foundation. The heart failure nurse for South Oxford PCT is Ann Creedon. based at Wallingford Community hospital.
Referrals to the service are made either by the patient's GP or from a hospital Consultant. On receipt of a referral, the heart failure nurse will contact the patient and arrange a home visit to perform an initial assessment. This will involve a brief physical examination i.e pulse, blood pressure, weight and assessment of fluid retention; review and explanation of medications, education in respect of condition and an explanation of treatment/management of symptoms. Written educational literature is also provided.
The heart failure nurse will then contact the referring doctor to discuss if any change to medication is indicated and if blood tests need to be performed. Further visits and or telephone contact will be made as dictated by patient need. The nurses may also be involved in coordinating palliative and end of life care in conjunction with GPs and District Nurses.
A large part of the role also involves providing support and education to other Health Care Professionals i.e. practice and district nurses who are involved in caring for patients with heart failure. Two educational study days have been organised for staff to attend during May and June 2006. The heart failure nurses are also happy to be contacted to give advice over the telephone if required.
Ann Creedon
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