The Public Health Nurse Service is a Community based service aimed at promoting and protecting the health of the population. The service provided aims to be total quality service, which is responsive to consumer/patients needs, placing community based services as the central focus of patient and consumer needs. The Public Health Nurse works within a defined geographical area, providing care which is preventative and curative and a range of services tailored to the needs of the individual including nursing care in the home, and palliative care of the terminally ill.
The Public Health Nurse is referred to the individual Client/ Patient by the hospital staff, General Practitioner, family members or indeed the individual may self refer if they so wish.This is the only direct referral service available within community services where an individual may be seen on the day of referral if so indicated. The PHN has involvement in the care of clients throughout their life span.
1. Child Health & Family Support Services
The PHN service provides a comprehensive and standardized service within available resources to all children under five years and provides a school-based service underpinned by Best Health for Children.
2. Physical & Sensory Disability Service
To implement HSE recommendation in partnership with the voluntary sector and providing services as per 'Towards an Independent Future'
3. Primary Care & Illness Prevention
The PHN Department continues to develop the range of services focused on illness prevention within the region of primary, secondary and territory level.
4. The Older Person
The PHN delivers and organises the home support services for clients within the nurse's geographical area and provides a range of services tailored to the needs of the individual.
Contact your Public Health Nurse at your Health Centre, or call Laois (057) 862 1135 and Offaly (057) 934 1301.
