The district nurse is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care to patients in their own home. In order to assist nursing care it is often necessary to use specialist nursing equipment. Having the right nursing equipment is essential to an improved quality of life at home. The district nurse co-ordinates and leads the service by the supply and provision of the following nursing equipment for patients use at home:

• Community care beds/electric profiling beds/bedrails.
• Pressure relieving mattresses.
• Hoist and slings.
• Pressure relieving cushions.
• Glide sheets/flexidiscs.
• Monkey poles.
• Suction machines.
• Syringe drivers.
• Toileting equipment (commodes, urinal and bedpan).

The district nurse works in partnership with the occupational therapist. The occupational therapist following an assessment can also provide other speciality equipment.

Electrical Checks

An electric check must be requested for any item of equipment, which requires a power supply prior to installation in a patient’s home. An electrician will come to a patient's home to carry this out. In some instances there may be a problem with the electric supply. In this case the district nurse will offer a non-electric bed and mattress. This can be an interim arrangement until the house owner repairs the electrical fault.

General Information

• It is the responsibility of the patients/carer to ensure that the equipment is treated with respect.
• The district nursing staff will provide instructions on how to use the equipment safely.
• A list of contact names and telephone numbers will be given in the event of any problems arising from the use of the equipment.
• An information leaflet will be provided giving instructions for the use of the equipment during a power cut or breakdown.

Return of the Equipment

The return of equipment is essential for ensuring that resources are available to meet the needs of future palliative care patients. When you have finished with equipment please follow these instructions: Contact the district nursing team at their Health Centre base stating that the nursing equipment is no longer needed.

You will be asked to give the following details:

• Contact Name.
• Telephone number.
• Address where the equipment is being stored.
• A list of the equipment to be collected.
• Any special arrangements or instructions.

This information is then forwarded to the relevant collection company, who will inform the given contact name of the date and time of collection.