Public Health Nursing Services: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access community nursing care and health advice through the Public Health Nursing Services in Ireland.
Public Health Nursing Services provide community-based nursing care and professional health advice to support people living in their own homes or local communities. These services are designed to bring healthcare professionals directly into the community to assist with various health needs.
Who it's for
This service is open to all residents. It is designed to be accessible to people living within the community who require professional nursing support to manage their health or wellbeing in their own environment.
What you get
Through this scheme, you can access community nursing and receive professional health advice. This support is intended to assist individuals with their specific health requirements through nursing interventions that take place outside of a hospital setting. This can include various forms of community-based care tailored to the individual's situation.
What it costs you
The service does not have a direct cost to the user, but there is a necessary step required to access it. You must first obtain a referral from your GP (General Practitioner). Without this formal referral from your doctor, you cannot access the nursing services.
The catch to know
It is important to be aware that these services are often heavily focused on maternal and child health. Because of this specific focus, the level of access and the types of support available for adults can vary depending on the specific needs and the local service availability.
How to apply
- Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss your specific health requirements.
- Request that your GP submits a formal referral for public health nursing services.
- Wait for the relevant health services to review the referral and contact you.
- Coordinate with the nursing professional once they reach out to discuss your care.