by Mary Hammond
In our April-May 2007 issue, we showed how one small Cambridgeshire parish was reaching out beyond their church to help their neighbours. One of their ideas was to appoint a Parish Nurse. As this is an idea we think other churches might like to know more about, we asked Sue Evans MBE about her role as Burwell's Parish Nurse.
Plain Truth: The name ‘Parish Nurse' is a relatively new title and probably one unfamiliar to many of our readers. Could you tell us a little about this role and how you became involved?
Sue Evans: I first heard the term ‘Parish Nurse', in 2000 when I attended a conference in Worcestershire. At that time I was the nurse representative on East Cambs PCG and was sent on the conference as I was told ‘you like community things'! It was about empowering the community to help itself – and when one of the speakers described the function of Parish Nursing, I felt I had ‘come home'. The speaker told us how the concept had taken hold in America – it then took two years as a committee of interested people started planning how it could be taken forward in Britain.
Then in 2002, I received a letter inviting me to attend the first ever British Parish Nurse training course. The only criteria for becoming a Parish Nurse are to be a qualified nurse and have the support of a church. As a qualified nurse, I went with both the blessings and support of the vicar and ministry team of St Mary's Church, Burwell.
The Scheme has been described as a way of sharing God's unconditional love for all people through nursing education and care. As I already held the position of District Nurse in the village, it made it very easy for me to become established in this new role as I was well aware of the Health and Social Care System.
Plain Truth: The scheme is described in the literature on the website (www.parishnursing.co.uk) as ‘not being purveyors of injections and dressings'. So how is the visit initiated and what happens on a ‘typical' visit?
Sue Evans: Visits can be initiated in several ways. I may receive a referral from a GP, Social Worker, vicar or the patient or family concerned – or I may initiate it myself. For example, if I noticed that a person's name is on the ‘sick list' I would then ring to see if they would like me to visit. And for the last year, I have spent an hour each Tuesday morning in the ‘CentrePeace' bookstore in the village, where I am available to meet, advise or make appointments with the local people.
Although it's not the job of Parish Nurses to carry out any invasive care, a ‘typical visit' however could include advice, explaining how to access the Health and Social Care System; act as an advocate for the patient; refer on to appropriate services or explain the benefit system. But also, being mindful of the spiritual aspect of health in holistic care, I could also keep the person in touch with the church, arrange lifts to attend services, liaise with the vicar – and if appropriate, offer to pray with or for those I visit in the parish.
Another aspect of the role is to encourage Parish Nurses to co-ordinate and train volunteers as well as setting up support groups. In Burwell, I've been involved in the establishing of the Village Help Scheme which offers social transport – other groups include Burwell Visiting, Burwell Carers and the Prayer Chain. These are some of the many ways in which Parish Nurses can unite and serve both the church and the community.
As I work full-time as the District Nurse, I'm therefore only able to offer a few hours each Tuesday as a ‘gift work'. However, even in just these few hours it's wonderful to be able to reach out to help those in our community.
But the most important thing I am able to give to those that need my services is the precious gift of time.
For more information: Parish Nursing Ministries UK is a Registered Charity No: 1111680. Website: www.parishnursing.co.uk or contact Revd Helen Wordsworth 01788 817292.
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