ACROSS the Bass Coast region, people are living more independently and staying out of hospital thanks to the vital work of Bass Coast Health’s (BCH) Community Nursing team.
In celebration of Nursing in the Community Week, 22-28 September, BCH is recognising the incredible nurses who deliver expert care in homes across the community.
“Our nurses make a profound difference every day, not just in our facilities but also throughout our community,” BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander said.
“Whether they’re providing wound care, supporting someone with a chronic illness or ensuring comfort at the end-of-life, they are helping people remain in the place where they feel most secure – their home.”
BCH’s largest Community Nursing team is the District and Palliative Care Service, which supports clients with everything from medication management to end-of-life care. Other teams include Maternal and Child Health, Transition Care, Residential In-Reach, Domiciliary Care and Better at Home, a service providing hospital-level care at home through programs like Hospital in the Home (HITH) and GEM@Home.
BCH’s Community Nurses also include specialist roles such as Diabetes Educators, Cardiac and Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultants, Stomal Therapy Nurses, Wound Care Nurses, Continence Nurses, Older Persons Nurse Practitioners and Aboriginal Health Clinical Nurse Consultant, all providing expert care that empowers clients to live well.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Karen Billman said the one-on-one nature of the work was especially rewarding and that patients often recover faster at home.
“We develop close relationships with our clients, and they value knowing we’ll be there to support their health needs. It’s a privilege to help people maintain their independence,” she said.
Patient Leonard Koninx said, “Being able to remain at home surrounded by loved ones in a familiar setting has a huge impact on a patient’s wellbeing and recovery.”
Ms Alexander said, “These nurses truly embody what Nursing in the Community Week is all about. We are proud of their dedication to helping our community live healthier, more independent lives.”
For more information about BCH’s Community Nursing programs, visit basscoasthealth.org.au
To access services, ask your GP to email a referral to access@basscoasthealth.org.au