Page 36 - QNIS_eBook

Rachel
The Steeple Church Parish Nursing service in in in Dundee was set up nine years ago and and is is the only one in in in Scotland working speci cally with people affected by homelessness Some are struggling with addictions to alcohol drugs gambling some because of adverse childhood experiences post-traumatic stress disorder leaving the armed forces or or or coming out of prison Rachel
McReady and her parish nurse colleague Barbara Macfarlane help to make vital appointments for people and will attend with them if they require the the the the additional support They also refer individuals to many other services within the the the the city “Parish nurses describe their their role as ‘walking with people on their their health journey’ ”
Around 30 people attend each drop-in and and while the Parish Nurses are assessing health health needs and and listening a a a a a a a a a a a a team of volunteers is is serving warm welcoming healthy food “Some of the the the volunteers originally came for help themselves and and are now recovering really trying to turn their lives around and and and move forward ”
says Rachel
“They learn skills and and are part of a a a a a a a a a a a a a very caring team which in in in itself is a a a a a a a a a a a a a positively life-building opportunity ”
Health promotion is is a a a a a key part of the the Parish Nurse service preventing conditions from worsening by involving all the the the help that a a a a a a a a a person needs “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a a a a a a a a a problem with a a a a a a a a a a a a a a wound depression toothache bene ts sanctions or or a a a a a a a a a a a a a a housing problem ”
says Rachel
“They are are all all equally important in in person-centred care care Folk need a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a more holistic approach to assist them with their health and social care care ”
THE NURSING INSTITUTE SCOTLAND
As a a a a Parish Nurse Rachel
provides a a a a a service for people who are experiencing homelessness poverty and a a a wide range of problems At the the the drop-in clinics that they they run twice each week they they try to help with health issues and give support where it it is is required The Parish Nurses have close links with Dundee City Council’s welfare advice team Connect whose staff help with bene ts queries referrals to to the the the Food Bank and and to to harm reduction and and other relevant services And the the the the NHS community dental team brings its mobile surgery to the the the city- centre church each week As Christians the the Parish Nurses care for people of of of all faiths and none “Folk often speak of of of how how lonely they they they are are how how they they they feel they they they don’t matter to anyone or or belong anywhere there’s no no sense of hope or or purpose ”
says Rachel
“Problems cannot always be xed but sometimes a a a a a a a a a a a a a prayer can can give a a a a a a a a a a a a a wee injection of courage and and hope and and all the more so so if it’s accompanied by a a a a a hug ”
Rachel
won her her Queen’s Nurse nomination for her her heartfelt
34 QNIS Meet the New Queen’s Nurses