Below is a list of the health services that may be available to you and who they are referred by.
General practitioner (GP)
Health services available
Provides 24-hour medical care at home
Contactable through the GP surgery or the GP out of hours service
Palliative care nurse (e.g. Macmillan nurse)
Clinical nurse specialist who cares for people with an advanced terminal illness or who are dying. They are trained in pain and symptom control as well as giving emotional support to patients with advanced illness, and their carers.
Care is referred by the hospital, GP or district nurse
District nurse
Qualified nurse directing the nursing care at home, providing medical treatment and also the provision of equipment, such as a commode or pressure relief mattress
Care is referred by the hospital or GP
Marie Curie nurse
Qualified nurse with cancer experience, primarily intended to help those suffering from cancer in the last few weeks of life and to ease the pressure on the family
Care is referred by the palliative care nurse or district nurse
Carer for personal care
General help on a daily basis such as getting out of bed, washing and dressing
Care is referred by social services
Occupational therapist
They will provide the necessary equipment and adapt the home to help the patient's needs, such as fitting ramps and rails
Care is referred by the hospital, GP, social services or palliative care nurse
Physiotherapist
Continual assessment of the patient's mobility, providing advice and equipment, such as a zimmer frame
Care is referred by the hospital, GP, palliative care nurse or district nurse
Dietician
Provide advice on nutrition
Care is referred by the hospital or GP
Page Last Updated : 26/02/08