Our District Nursing Service provides nursing care and support to patients in their own homes or community settings when they are unable to attend a clinic or GP practice.
We work across six local neighbourhoods in Bolton, so that we can provide care that is close to where you live. In each area, our nurses work closely with other health and care professionals, including therapists, social care teams and mental health services, to make sure your care is joined up and based on your needs.
What we do
Our nurses help people stay safely at home, maintain independence and manage their health conditions. This can include:
- Treating wounds and changing dressings
- Giving medication and injections
- Supporting people with long-term conditions, such as diabetes
- Helping people recover after a stay in hospital
- Providing end of life care with compassion and dignity
When you've been referred
When you are referred to the service, you will receive an initial assessment from one of our team. During this assessment, we will work with you, your family, and carers to identify your nursing needs, and decide if any additional services may be required to support your overall health and wellbeing.
Following the assessment, a plan of care will be agreed with you, and any future home visits or clinic appointments will be arranged.
Wherever possible, we will work with you and your carers to help develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to manage your health needs safely and independently where appropriate.
What we can't help with
- Collection or delivery of medication
- Home visits that don't require nursing support
- Continence products if you don't require nursing support
- Social care tasks such as bathing, washing, dressing, shopping, or housework
Where necessary, we will refer to you other colleagues who are best placed to help you.
When you are expecting a visit
To help staff provide care safely during home visits, please:
- Provide liquid antibacterial soap in a pump dispenser and paper towels (kitchen roll) for handwashing and drying.
- Do not smoke during the visit, and where possible provide a smoke-free room for staff to work in.
- Ensure that pets are placed in another room during the visit.
Opening hours and contact details
District nurses provide care seven days a week, including bank holidays. Visit times depend on your needs, rather than set appointment slots.
If you need advice or would like to speak to the District Nursing team, please contact your local District Nursing hub via 01204 462626 between 8.30am-5pm.
- If your visit is scheduled within a specific time-period (for example 8:30–10am) due to clinical reasons, please wait 30 minutes after the allocated time window has passed (for example 10.30am) before contacting the service.
- If your visit is planned for a particular day and you have not received a visit by 4pm, please contact the service.
The evening and night team can be reached between 5pm-9am on 01204 462975.
If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message clearly stating your name and contact telephone number. A member of the community nursing team will return your call as soon as possible. All calls are triaged and responded to so that patients with the most urgent needs are supported promptly.