Health Minister Anne Milton praised community nurses when she met them last week thanking them for the expert care they provide.
The MP for Guildford and former nurse spent last Friday morning with Surrey Community Health (SCH) staff at the Jarvis Centre. As well as hearing about the day-to-day nursing care they provide, Ms Milton joined nurse Annie Twidell on a visit to a young cancer patient’s home. She later took a tour of the breast screening facilities at the Stoughton Road site which have recently been refurbished.
Following the visit Ms Milton said: “It was fantastic to see all the valuable work the Surrey Community health nurses do day-to-day, the time and effort they put into looking after their patients is second to none. The skills and experience of community nurses are sometimes underestimated but the job they do is invaluable and we must do all we can to recognise their dedication to helping people in the local area.”
SCH’s community nurses provide a range of round the clock expert clinical care in patient’s homes in Guildford and across the county. They see patients with a wide range of conditions including cancer, MS, Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, continence problems, palliative and end of life care. Providing regular care and helping them manage their symptoms means patients are able to remain in their own homes and avoid having to be admitted into hospital.
Dr Tony Mercer, Chairman of SCH said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ms Milton and give her the opportunity to see the crucial work our community nurses and screening staff do. I am incredibly proud of their contribution along with that of our many other community service staff.
Alison Edgington, Chief Executive of SCH, added: “I would also like to thank the health minister for taking the time to meet some of our staff. Community and specialist nurses are the crucial link between GPs, hospitals and social care and provide the expert care that patient’s need – safe, convenient and of the highest standards.”