Hello, I’m Yvonne!
I am an experienced nurse who has spent all of my career with babies and families with pre-school children. I am a qualified health visitor and lactation consultant and have many years of experience working in the Bideford community. I have a passion for supporting parenting, infant feeding and parents with postnatal depression. My first focus as a Parish Nurse will be a Baby Health clinic.
What is a Parish Nurse?
A Parish Nurse is a nurse registered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), working under its Code of Conduct. Confidentiality is within the Code: anything said to the Parish Nurse is kept private unless you are being harmed or are harming someone else, or at risk of doing so.
A Parish Nurse will have gained many years of experience working within the National Health Service, the community and / or private practice.
Our Parish Nurse is not employed by the National Health Service.. She works solely in Bideford and the surrounding area.
What does a Parish Nurse do?
Parish Nurses work with people of all ages and backgrounds, with any faith or none, focusing on the person rather than just a medical condition, and integrating all the different aspects of health.
Our Parish Nurse provides:
- Health drop-in and baby weigh
- Health advice, promotion and support for parents of pre-school children – 1:1 appointment
- Infant feeding support
- Antenatal appointments to help prepare for parenting
- Listening appointments for low maternal mood
- ‘Signpost’ people to appropriate websites, health services, groups and resources
Who can receive this service?
Our Parish Nursing service is available to anyone living or working within the local area.
Our Parish Nurse is uniquely placed to be able to attend to the well-being of the ‘whole person’, irrespective of their faith, or no faith, their age, sex, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or ability.
Why is this service being provided?
Central Church Bideford believe that everyone is valued and accepted by God, and we want to demonstrate God’s love and hope to all.
A key point about the Parish Nursing service is that it will complement, but not duplicate, services offered by existing NHS and Social Care agencies.
How to make a referral
For a client to be accepted by the Parish Nursing Service, a referral form must be completed using our online referral form. Alternatively, you can phone the parish nurse 07521 488658 or email yvonne@centralchurch.uk, who will be happy to complete the form on your behalf. All referrals will be assessed by the Parish Nurse, who will respond back to you.
All documentation will be securely stored. Although your Parish Nurse works on behalf of the church, the details she holds on you for your care will not appear on any database or mailing list that the church holds unless you give your permission. Central Church Bideford has a data protection policy in place, which can be made available by contacting the church office by email office@centralchurch.uk.
Who supports the Parish Nurse
Within the church: The Parish Nurse is a key member of, and supported by, the Ministry, Pastoral Care, and Safeguarding teams of Central Church Bideford.
The Parish Nurse may also be supported by volunteers, either from the Pastoral Care Team or specifically trained and supported by Central Church Bideford to work with the Parish Nurse. They will all have a current enhanced Disclosure and Barring service check.
External Support: Parish Nurses are also supported by a national charity, Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK).
PNMUK delivers the Certificate in Parish Nursing and provides our Parish Nurse with clinical supervision, training days and support to ensure that the service is well run.
Please visit parishnursing.org.uk for more information.
When is the Parish Nurse available?
How do I contact the Parish Nurse?
By email: yvonne@centralchurch.uk
By phone: 07521 488658