Community nursing

Contact us

Local referral unit

You can get in touch directly by contacting our Local Referral Unit. The local referral unit takes both urgent and non-urgent referrals for our community services in the east and west Kent localities.

East Kent

Ashford: 0300 123 0915
Canterbury: 0300 123 4415
Deal and Dover: 0300 123 1943
Shepway: 0300 123 1943
Thanet: 0300 7900 386

West Kent
0300 123 1950

8am to 10pm, seven days per week

After these hours please dial 111.

Equipment – if you have been prescribed specialist equipment and you need a repair or return please contact NRS on the telephone number below together with the operating hours.

01622 235300
For deliveries and returns: 8am to 6pm
For repairs and servicing: 8.30am to 5.30pm

Safeguarding – if you are worried or concerned, what can I do if someone is at risk?

Who we are

We are a skilled team of healthcare professionals who include clinical leads, caseload managers, community nurses, specialist practitioner district nurses, nurse associates, complex care nurses, health care assistants, phlebotomists (who take blood), health & social care coordinators and administrators

Community Nursing

What we do

The Community Nursing Teams provide nursing support for patients aged 18 and over in their home, delivering personalised care to those with complex and long term conditions so that patients can stay safe and well at home or in their chosen environment. The service may provide wound management, change wound dressings, palliative and end of life care and symptom control and catheter care. They also take blood and administer injectable medication.

Night Nursing Service (East Kent)

The Night Nursing Service provide support to the out of hours (OOH) GP services and extended services such as care homes, nursing and residential, to make sure urgent 24-hour nursing care is available across east Kent for housebound patients. The service is provided between the hours of 10pm to 8am and is split geographically across three areas being Ashford, Shepway, Canterbury, South Kent Coast and Dover, Deal and Thanet.

Wound Medicine Centres

Wound Medicine Centres provide a service for patients with chronic and complex wounds including leg ulcers, abdominal wounds and post- surgical wounds requiring ongoing care, (for example a pilonidal sinus (this is a small hole or tunnel in the skin which may be filled with fluid or pus)).

To access this service, your community nurse, GP or other healthcare professional will make a referral and you will be sent an appointment to attend the centre.

You will be asked some questions by the nurse, including past medical history and current prescribed medication, this will help in the full assessment and treatment of your wound.

The assessment will also include measurements and photographs of your wound. If your wound is on your leg the nurse may perform a Doppler procedure which is like having your blood pressure taken but at your ankle. A team of wound care nurses, which may include a tissue viability specialist nurse and other multi-professional colleagues work together to provide a holistic approach to your care.

Our community nurses provide palliative and end of life care

We provide highly trained and skilled staff to provide you with nursing care and support in partnership with your GP to help you, your family and carers during the last phase of your life to live as well as possible. Our aim is to make sure that you have access to the care that you want and need in all care settings.

Talking about dying will not bring it any closer but may help you to make the most of the time you have left. It is important to be confident and talk to your family and/or friends about dying.

What is end of life care?

Community nurses will come to your home or care setting and provide nursing care for you there. This may be to:

provide or arrange hands-on nursing
provide essential equipment for your comfort
advise on pain and symptom control
provide practical and emotional support for you and your carers at home.

The community nurses can also involve other specialist professionals in your care, if their expertise is needed.

What to expect from end of life care

People who are approaching the end of their life are entitled to high-quality care, wherever they're being cared for.

Good end of life care is tailored to the person who needs it. You and the people close to you should be at the centre of decisions about your care.

It helps if your wishes are written down as a personalised care plan and, if you agree, that this can be shared with the people involved in your care now and in the future. It's important your care plan is reviewed regularly so that it stays up to date as your situation and wishes change.

The staff caring for you should show respect for you and behave kindly. Your comfort and dignity are important. That means, for example, that in the last days of life you can decide whether you feel like eating and drinking even if your need for food and fluid is already being met another way.

How do you use this service?

You will normally be referred to our service by a GP or healthcare professional.

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March 2024
Thanet

I felt like the nurse listened to me and my concerns today. She seems to actually care about my wife and we are so greatful for the time she has spent with us today.

February 2024
Herne Bay

Nurses have visited for a few weeks to administer injections, they have all been friendly, kind and reassuring. It has been a very positive experience and makes me proud of the NHS.

January 2024
Maidstone Ridge

The nurse was excellent at supporting both myself and my husband at the end stages of his life. Always happy to help and nothing was ever enough trouble. Made the entire experience 100% better. Kind and caring and all patients are lucky to have them as their nurse.

May 2023
Malling

I felt someone was listening to me. I got the help I needed. (Health and Social Care Coordinators)

May 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Very kind and helpful. Ensured that I had all the numbers I need for support. (Health and Social Care Coordinators)

May 2023
Tunbridge Wells

The appointment was made really quickly, I am so appreciative of the support and advice I have received, in fact everyone has been so helpful. (Health and Social Care Coordinators)

May 2023
Sevenoaks

Cheerful, helpful, always feel better after they’ve been.

May 2023
Faversham/Whitstable

Very pleased with visiting nurses administering my insulin. They are bright and cheerful and I know when they will be visiting.

May 2023
Maidstone

Very helpful, explained everything. Helped me to get treatment. (Complex Care)

May 2023
Maidstone

Was a good service and i was made to feel welcomed. (Complex Care)

May 2023
Tonbridge

The nurse was very professional and arrived on time. (Complex Care)

May 2023
Paddock Wood

The nurses and urgent care looked after our mum as she died. We cannot fault the service at all. All the nurses are outstanding kind, caring and brilliant. We can' thank you enough.

May 2023
Ashford

I appreciate the nurses that come in and they are always friendly and cheerful. They answer any questions I have and if they don’t know the answer they will find out for me.

May 2023
Maidstone

KCHFT staff provided excellent care to my late dad throughout the time they were caring for him at the end of his life. All staff were respectful and so caring.

May 2023
Dover

Nurses are always polite and caring. Helpful when I need anything.

May 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Very good, kind nurses, very helpful and friendly. Nothing too much trouble.

May 2023
Edenbridge

Caring, kind, helpful and knowledgeable nurses. Felt completely at ease being looked after by them.

May 2023
Folkestone/Hythe/Rural

The nurses are great, very supportive to me and my wife.

April 2023
Sevenoaks

Everything - Jane was very caring and thorough, made some good suggestions about how I can cope with my anxiety. (Complex Care)

April 2023
Tonbridge

Lucia has been helpful and understanding with helping my incontinence and I want to give her all my thanks.

April 2023
Deal/Sandwich

Reassuring and went above and beyond for my needs.

April 2023
Shepway

The team have always been helpful and explain what they are doing and why.

April 2023
Tonbridge

The nurse is a lifeline and makes me feel in control. (Complex Care)

April 2023
Thanet

The nurses are very friendly and they make you feel very comfortable.

April 2023
Edenbridge

Came out so quickly. Excellent service. Helpful advice given.

April 2023
Dover

Everyone is very kind. Smiling faces.

April 2023
Faversham/Whitstable

Excellent care. Treated well and staff very thorough.

April 2023
Tunbridge Wells

All staff very supportive; physically and emotionally. Would not have managed without them.

April 2023
Maidstone

Louise was very helpful and I am very grateful for her time and support. (Complex Care)

April 2023
Paddock Wood

We cannot fault at all. All the nurses are so caring, they're efficient and follow up what they say. They're kind and caring and a great support.

April 2023
Maidstone

The nurses team are so supportive and caring, they always go out of their way.

April 2023
Herne Bay

The standard of care provided makes me feel worthy. They have time to provide good care and makes me happy.

April 2023
Tunbridge Wells

The nurse is always there to help me as I have complex conditions and need a lot of support. I can phone her when I need to. (Complex Care)

April 2023
Maidstone

They come here and look after me. They are all very nice and friendly.

March 2023
Maidstone

You have done everything to keep my mother from going into the hospital for admission. I cannot thank you enough. (Complex Care)

March 2023
Ashford

Quick and efficient service. Keeping me well informed. (Wound Centre)

March 2023
Dover

Everything is positive, everything you do is closer to recovery.

March 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Very good service. Nurse very helpful, kind and considerate. With a visit of the district nurse it means I do not have to go out. My legs are very bad and I find it difficult to walk. It's a relief that I can get care at home.

March 2023
Canterbury

Very efficient care from all of the nursing team.

March 2023
Tunbridge

Very happy with my visit from Jess and Maxine today. I feel comfortable in their presence. I was able to discuss how I was feeling.

March 2023
Deal

The kindness shown by Malcom and his various nurses is amazing. Malcom’s knowledge is excellent and reassuring too. (Wound Centre)

March 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Gave me lots of information and advice. I now know who to contact if I need to. (Health and Social Care Coordinator)

March 2023
Margate

All super lovely people, really appreciate what they are doing.

March 2023
Maidstone

Louise is very efficient and offers excellent care. (Complex Care)

March 2023
Thanet

I was going through a real tough patch and having the support from Stephanie was a real comfort, she was very kind. (ICM Team)

March 2023
Deal/Sandwich

The staff are so friendly and happy and know what’s going on with my needs and care.

March 2023
Malling

It was lovely to see a smiling nurse at the door this morning. Professional, kind and informative. My husband is very poorly and she made me feel at ease.

March 2023
Paddock Wood

The community nurses, particularly Georgia and Chloe have been so kind and caring. They've been so supportive, I couldn't do it without them.

March 2023
Folkestone

Knowledge and service is first class. (Wound Centre)

March 2023
Malling

Provided me with all the information I need to stay safe in my home. (Health and Social Care Coordinator)

March 2023
Thanet

Louise was extremely thorough with all the home assessments, equipment is in place and being used. (ICM Team)

March 2023
Herne Bay

The staff are happy and very approachable. (Wound Centre)

March 2023
Sevenoaks

Jane was very thorough and gave us advice. Very caring. (Complex Care)

March 2023
Shepway

The nursing team visit me twice a week and help my wound to heal. Always kind and chatty.

March 2023
Tonbridge

The nurse was helpful and informative. Nothing was too much trouble. (Complex Care)

March 2023
West Kent

I cannot get out of my home so this service is essential for me. Very kind, patient and understanding. Communication was good.

January 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Visit when then say they will and good advice given. Respond quickly when I phoned.

January 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Gillian has been an excellent help to me. Very pleasant and friendly, very attentive and gives good advice. (Complex Care Nurses)

January 2023
Tonbridge

All the staff are lovely and talk to me about my ongoing care.

January 2023
Paddock Wood

The nurses are all very thorough and kind. They are very knowledgeable and are doing everything they can to care for my leg ulcer.

January 2023
Canterbury

Nurses are so kind and lovely every time they visit nothing is too much for them to do.

January 2023
Maidstone

Sonya is very professional and helpful. She's caring and listens. (Complex Care Nurses)

January 2023
Deal

Professional care. (Wound Centre)

January 2023
Sevenoaks

The health professionals always treated me with dignity and respect and they always made sure that I knew and understood what was happening and why it was happening and took time to address any concerns that I may have had.

January 2023
Dover

Debbie is always happy, caring and smiling. Pleasure to have. Other staff are helpful.

January 2023
Sevenoaks

Jane took time to explain things I didn't understand. Jane was very knowledgeable and very caring. (Complex Care Nurses)

January 2023
Broadstairs

Friendly and helpful staff, attentive staff. (Wound Centre)

January 2023
Maidstone

Very thorough. Listened well and explained everything. (Complex Care Nurses)

January 2023
West Kent

Brilliant, friendly staff who are supportive and caring. Treat with compassion. Good team.

January 2023
Ashford

Friendly, welcoming, makes you feel relaxed. (Wound Centre)

January 2023
Folkestone/Hythe/Rural

Everything is good about it, makes me feel a lot better that I know a nurse is coming and Kerry is a lovely nurse, she cheers me up.

January 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Margaret is always so helpful - very reassuring to know that I can contact her if I need advice. (Health & Social Care Coordinators)

January 2023
Edenrbridge

The nurse was friendly and I felt reassured and felt relaxed.

January 2023
Maidstone

Extra careful with what I was doing with my fragile skin. Overwhelmed with the care I recieved with the two nurses. Very helpful.

January 2023
Tonbridge

My CCN nurse is a lifeline. I've just been in hospital and it's reassuring she checked on me after discharge. (Complex Care Nurses)

January 2023
Herne Bay

Excellent service, know what they are doing, pay attention to detail and get the job done. (Wound Centre)

January 2023
Maidstone

Nichola was very informative and I feel I was supported and listened too. (Health & Social Care Coordinators)

January 2023
Faversham/Whitstable

Nurses are always lovely and put my best interests first.

December 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Nurses are all lovely. I appreciate all that they do for me.

December 2022
Sevenoaks

On time, efficient, friendly and helpful.

December 2022
Malling

The nurse that attended was very empathetic and caring, she spoke to me with a soft caring voice, reassuring me all the time.

December 2022
Edenbridge

Nurse always give good information. They look after me well.

December 2022
Deal/Sandwich

Great care and compassion by the staff.

December 2022
Sevenoaks

Excellent! I feel very lucky having you helping me because your visits are first class.

December 2022
Tonbridge

I've never had any problems, if something is wrong you are always there. (Complex Care)

December 2022
Paddock Wood

Prompt, very good, looked after my leg well.

December 2022
Tonbridge

All staff very caring, my mother in law received excellent care in her final days.

December 2022
Margate

Everything, you can talk to them, they are polite, they tidy up after themselves, couldn’t fault them. It’s nice having the company for the short time they are here.

December 2022
Maidstone

The CCNs are attentive, I can get hold of them when I need them. They support mother and I well and we are greatfull for the support. (Complex Care)

December 2022
Folkestone/Hythe/Rural

Very attentive, kind and explanatory.

December 2022
Canterbury

the nurses are always friendly and they look after me well.

December 2022
Maidstone

Hannah has been seeing me weekly for a drain, very kind and friendly, does a great job.

December 2022
Sevenoaks

Very helpful and informative and very friendly. (Complex Care)

December 2022
Ashford

Nurses are always happy, makes me feel comfortable around them.

December 2022
Faversham/Whitstable

Faversham nurses were amazing and never complained at travelling the country lanes in the rain or dark to see me. I can't thank them enough for their kindness and shall miss their visits.