Community matrons
* Community matrons are highly experienced, senior nurses who can work closely with both yourself and your doctor to plan and organise your care.
* As well as providing your nursing care they will act as your 'case manager' - the single point of contact for care, support and advice.
Who is eligible for a community matron?
People who could benefit from a community matron include those who have had a severe long term condition or a complex range of conditions. Also people who have been admitted to hospital several times may benefit from having a community matron to help them stay in their own home.
What do community matrons do?
Some people who have long term conditions have to go into hospital because their symptoms suddenly deteriorate. A community matron can help to prevent this kind of emergency happening by spotting difficulties as they arise and making sure that patients have the right care and medication needed to be able to deal with their conditions.
Alongside this community matrons can also offer personalised care to people with complex care needs, allowing them to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Community matrons help patients to understand their medicines and they can also prescribe medicines when needed.
Community matrons make sure that a patients care is properly co-ordinated in order to save patients unnesscessary trips to the hospital and doctors. We also make sure that your views are heard so that your care matches your needs.
Contact details
If you think you would benefit from having a community matron please speak to your GP or to your district nurse.
Useful leaflets
If you need to request a copy in large print, or in another format or language please call 01670 394522.
