28th February 2025
The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Mary Frances McManus visited the Trust District Nursing service recently.
Minister Nesbitt and Ms McManus met with staff, including Moy Neighbourhood District Nursing team on the visit to Portadown Health Centre.
District Nurses from the enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and a Consultant District Nurse, highlighted their roles to the Minister and Deputy CNO, work that helps support and deliver integrated community care.
The Southern Trust District Nursing service looks after approximately 700 patients every day in their own homes. They provide a wide range of assessments, investigations and clinical interventions including catheter, cannula, stoma, tracheostomy and wound care, medication administration and Palliative End of Life care and support.
Brian Beattie, Director of Adult Community Services for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust explained:
“District Nurses play a crucial role in caring for people in the community and addressing public health issues. They often can mean the difference between a patient needing a hospital admission or being able to remain in their own home.
“We are incredibly proud of our District Nurses across the Trust for their dedication and commitment to support complex care at home and improve health outcomes.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “The delivery of healthcare is shifting from a reactive model that focuses on illness, to one that emphasises prevention, self-care and maintenance of population health. District Nurses are at the heart of leading on this vision and I deeply value their contribution in enabling people to remain within their own homes and communities for as long as possible.
“Their work is fundamental to creating a healthier, more inclusive society for everyone in Northern Ireland. I welcomed the opportunity to visit the District Nursing team at Portadown Health Centre and find out more about the invaluable service they provide.”