WHAT IS PARISH NURSING?
There are now over 100 Parish Nurses in the UK. Sarah was the first Parish nurse operating in Cornwall, but there is now also one in Bodmin and others planned around the county.
Parish Nurses are employed by churches of all denominations. The parish nursing service is recognised, supported and accredited by Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK). PNMUK is a Christian charity which helps local churches appoint nurses, who in turn support people and communities towards whole person healthcare. This is care for the person's overall well-being, incorporating body mind and spirit.
Parish Nursing is free to all at the point of need and is available to everyone, not just church goers. A Parish Nurse is a registered nurse who attends regular courses provided by PNMUK, working towards full accreditation.
Parish Nurses work with people of all ages and backgrounds, those with any faith or none. Whether it is simply
- giving moral support during a medical crisis
- giving general health advice and education on a personal and event basis
- "signposting" people to support or medical services
- praying for people if requested
- clarifying medical procedures
- listening
they focus on the person rather than the medical condition.
Prescriptions, dressings, injections or help with personal care are provided by the health and social care services but the parish nurse can be the link. The Parish Nurse can organise events such as a men's health breakfast when a GP is invited to speak on health issues, or a health fair, and will co-ordinate volunteers to provide extra support in times of critical need or loneliness..
For more information on PNMUK their web site is www.parishnursing.org.uk
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A Parish Nurse for St Goran and St Michael, Caerhays.
The Pastoral Care Team at St Goran Church identified that there is a need for the additional services that can be provided by a Parish Nurse. We have now appointed Sarah Male to that post and she has started her work with us from October 2018. She does not in any way replace the services provided by the NHS or social services and our plans have been discussed with Dr James at Mevagissey Surgery who is very supportive of this initiative.
It is the vision of The Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Goran Church to help people in the parishes of St Goran and St Michael, Caerhays achieve optimum health and wellbeing by employing a Parish Nurse, initially for two days a week for three years. The Parish Nurse will liaise with GP’s, Health Visitors, the Community Matron, voluntary services and other agencies and our Pastoral Care Team. Our vision will be fulfilled in the following ways:
-Supporting independence and improving quality of life through health education, care and advice
-Home visits
-Health education events
-Assisting access to health, social services and other agencies as appropriate
-Providing spiritual support if requested
An Hello from our Parish Nurse
I am very pleased to introduce myself as your new parish nurse for Gorran and Caerhays. I live in Gorran Haven and qualified as a Registered nurse in Surrey in 1998 and have since worked in a variety of clinical settings within the NHS, mostly within Accident and Emergency, General Practice and Medicine.
I am filled with enthusiasm for what will be the first parish nurse role in Cornwall. My role is to work with individuals of all ages to facilitate wellbeing and to promote health and independence. I will also be able to provide support for people newly discharged from hospital, advice on medication and end of life care. I am able to provide emotional support and if requested spiritual support.I am here to listen. The service is available to all members of the community irrespective of faith and age. More detail on: https://parishnursing.org.uk/what-is-parish-nursing/
I will be available by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9.00 and 5.00. I have a base in an office at the back of St Goran Church but I expect to be out and about visiting and meeting for members of the community most of the time.
I look forward to meeting more of you around the village.
Sarah Male
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The PCC has now raised enough funds to pay for a Parish Nurse for three years at an average cost of £16,500 per year which includes salary, pension, courses, travel and admin costs. This initial funding has come from fundraising and grants. After three years we hope that this initiative will have proved such a benefit to the community that the project will be extended
A lot of work has been done - fundraising, contract of employment, health & safety, safeguarding and finding the right person. A separate bank account has been opened - "St Goran PCC Parish Nurse Fund."
If you want details of that bank account as you feel that you would want to support us in this venture, please click on the link below and download the form to use to either set up a Standing Order or for a one-off donation.
If you have any questions or offers of help please contact us.
Information on this page is taken from the PNMUK web site and edited from a magazine article written by John Woodbridge.