Baildon Parish Nursing service is reminding local residents that they can access health and wellbeing advice and support at St James community hub drop in session or by home visit.
So far this year, over 50 people have attended the drop-in nurse services held at St James’s Church and St Hugh’s Church, and more have benefited from health talks in group settings.
Parish Nurses are qualified nurses who are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, as part of its commitment to support community health projects, has provided small-scale funding to support the registered nurse, Carolyn Gomersal, who voluntarily runs the service.
Carolyn, who has been a nurse for over 38 years, with extensive experience in primary care said: “Parish Nursing focuses on holistic care, that is a recognition that optimum health is dependent on wellbeing in body, mind and spirit. The service is open to people of all faiths or none, all backgrounds and ages. It entails disease prevention, health education, support with short and long term conditions, signposting and referral to statutory services, and prayer if requested.”
The service compliments NHS services by supporting prescribed care plans and aims to build up confidence and resilience in communities. Blood pressure checks and weight management are offered and are practical ways to relieve pressure on local GP services.
Sarah Dick, Head of Community Partnership and Locality Development at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “It’s really important that we continue to support community health services such as Baildon Parish Nursing which plays a valuable role locally in helping people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, stay healthy at home and reduce pressure on primary care appointments and hospital admissions. As an organisation, we’re currently supporting over 250 community projects that help to address health inequalities at a grassroots level, covering a diverse range of needs and integrating a range of health and care services.”
Previous Baildon Parish nurse events have involved a resuscitation training evening led by St John’s Ambulance first aid trainers, following a Parish Nurse led initiative to fundraise for, and install a defibrillator available for 24/7 community use outside St James church. A recent event around alleviating and reducing the stigma of loneliness was well received, and plans are being made for community consultation to investigate local need for regular events to reduce loneliness.
If you would like to attend the Parish Nursing drop-ins they are held at the following times:
- St James’ Church , Wednesdays 10-12, term times.
- Home visits by arrangement. Contact nurse@parishofbaildon.uk or text or phone 07735297966, please note part time hours, leave a message.