District Nursing: A Declining Profession
District nurses play a crucial role in providing care to people in their homes across the country, operating around the clock. However, the profession is facing a decline, with an estimated one in four district nurses leaving the profession and a 43% decline in overall numbers since 2009.
District nursing services provide essential care for patients and support for family members in the community, including wound management, diabetes management, and end-of-life care. These services are intended to be universal, covering every community in England, and operate most hours of the day, 365 days a year.
The government's plans to shift more care from hospital to the community are unlikely to be achievable unless action is taken to address the state of the district nursing profession.
The decline of district nursing poses a significant challenge to the government's plans to shift care from hospitals to communities. As demand for district nursing care rises, it is essential to address the issues facing the profession to ensure the continuation of these vital services.
Author's summary: District nursing is in decline, threatening care plans.