The Children’s Community Nursing Service is an experienced team of children’s nurses who provide nursing care, advice and support to children with acute and chronic illnesses. We work with other specialist community health care teams, local and specialist hospitals, social services, schools, nurseries, respite centres and voluntary organisations.
Our aim is to ensure that children are only in hospital when they need to be, and that they take an active part in school and community based activities.
We provide nursing support, intervention and advice to children in the community with chronic and life limiting conditions, providing support and training to their families and carers.
The key areas we cover are:
- Management of children with chronic health conditions (except for cancer, cystic fibrosis and diabetes who are seen by the children’s community team based at Medway Hospital (COaST)).
- Central venous access management
- Enteral feeding
- Palliative care
- Specialist continence service – any child over 4 years with a continence issues should be referred to the Public Health nurse/school nurse service. If the child is not showing signs of readiness for toileting or has a medical condition that affects their continence they will be referred on to the Children’s Nursing Team.
- Asthma/wheeze
- Wound care – all children needing wound care should attend wound clinics. If a dressing is needed before an appointment is available in clinic then we will provide wound care in the interim.
- Provide training and support to families, nurseries, schools and community groups who care for children with chronic health conditions.
All referrals need to come from Healthcare professionals. If you are a parent/carer and think your child should be referred to the Children's Community Nursing Team please discuss this with doctors or nurses at the hospital where your child is being treated.
All referral forms should be completed and forwarded to medch.childrenscommunity@nhs.net
How to find us
If you are a parent seeking advice please contact the duty desk on 0300 123 3444.
Alternatively please speak to your health visitor, GP or Nursery/School who may consider a referral to our service.
Facilities and other info
Following referral you will be invited to attend either a parent education training session or an assessment screen.
Opening Times
Phone lines are open between 8am – 5pm Monday – Friday