In each issue we investigate a hot topic currently affecting you and your community practice. Here, we look at the current state of NHS mental health services and ask the question
Social care has become a hot topic in the news in the past year, with the worries and fears of the sector being widely reported. Many people may think it is an issue which does not affect them — but the reality is that most of us at some point in our lives will need care and support.
Teresa Burdett discusses the emerging role of community based nurses dealing with housing issues and its effect on client and community health.
Patricia McGeoghan et al. gives an overview of an action research project designed to establish the appropriate district nursing contribution to care packages.
Thanks are due to Sheila Challender who facilitated the research project, also for her help and advice in preparing this paper.
Rose Grayless MA, BA (Hons), RGN, SCM, NDN Cert, is a Nursing Projects Co-ordinator, District Nursing Service at Preston Primary Care Trust, Preston, Lancs. Patricia McGeoghan RGN, DN Cert, is a Discharge Co-ordinator, Community at Guild Community NHS Trust, Preston, Lancs. Susan Radcliffe RGN, DN Cert is a District Nursing Support Team Co-ordinator at Guild Community NHS Trust, Preston, Lancs. Article accepted for publication September 2001.
