The team provide care to patients in North Oxfordshire who have very specific needs which can be met by the specialist skills of the district nursing team.

They usually see adults over the age of 18, whose needs are best met in their home environment. The help they offer ranges from management and support of patients with long term conditions and illnesses, palliative and end-of-life care, wound management, rehabilitation following surgery, disability, accident, or illness and health promotion, advice and support.

The nurses work within the larger North locality team comprising of nurses, assistant practitioners, nursing associates, health care assistants and administrators with a wide range of skills and knowledge that work together to support the needs of the local population. The team is lead by District Nurses have had additional community specialist training.

One service user said: “Each district nurse that attended was ultra-professional and really pleasant to me. I will always be grateful.”

Other specialist services they work alongside include tissue viability, diabetes, bladder and bowel, mental health and children’s services to supporting with transition of care.

Jo Noble, clinical development lead, said: “I am incredibly proud of the care and compassion the staff show every day for their patients and each other. The dynamic and flexible approach the staff have demonstrated working in the community has been exceptional over the past eighteen months.

“We pride ourselves on being a positive and friendly team who work together across the Banbury and Chipping Norton towns and surrounding villages working closely with the integrated locality teams.”

A family member of a patient said: “Nurse was very patient and took time to speak clearly, as mum’s hearing is not good. She checked that mum was comfortable with cleaning and dressing ulcer. Many thanks – a great service!!”

Another patient said: “Thank you for the prompt, efficient and friendly way I was dealt with. You gave me confidence, that help is at hand if needed.

A final reviewer said: “The nurse was so kind and gentle, explaining everything without being patronising and made sure that any questions I had were answered clearly and professionally. She put me at ease straight away. A credit to your team!”

More can be found about the service by clicking this link.