The Upper Valley District Nursing Team

Bethany – Community Staff Nurse:
"I cover the area of Luddenden and Luddenden Foot and am currently purchasing a house in Luddenden. I noticed what you were doing for the key-workers and thought it was a crucial part of the journey we are all experiencing at the moment and offers some encouragement and chance for people to appreciate and recognise those that are working extra hard at this time. As a team we are also working hard with patients who have become housebound because of shielding and those we would normally be visiting. We are seeing more of an impact where we’re seen in the community and we want it to continue as positive and for people to recognise we’re out there to help and we’re doing our best."

Rachel – Community Staff Nurse:
"We just wanted to join in to raise the profile of what we’re doing. We are working very hard to protect members of the community who are vulnerable, our patients as well as ourselves and colleagues. We’re using the PPE that is recommended with every patient and it’s just about getting our role recognised within the community so that they do know who we are, when they see us out in our cars, out on the streets in our uniforms - we’re not a danger, we’re not doing any harm. We’re just trying to protect and serve members of the public who are vulnerable and need us."

Amanda – District Nurse Team Leader:
"The staff have worked really hard to make sure they stay safe, that the patients are safe, and that we have worn all the appropriate equipment. We’d like to thank the support we receive from local people and to follow on from what Rachael said, we have worked really hard to make sure people are safe and calm because it is clearly a frightening time, but equally for us as well as we all have families and people that we too are worried about who may have symptoms or caught it themselves"

Teresa – Student District Nurse:
"I joined the team this year and I have come to work with a brilliant team as they’ve all been supportive. Covid has brought the best out of the team as well, we’re helping people who are palliative, who have complex issues and some who have been on our case load for a long time. Also some who have died with covid and that impacts with the team, but they just bring each other together and support each other – it’s been fantastic being part of this team."

In the photograph: Amanda - District Nurse; Teresa - Student District Nurse; Rachel - Community Staff Nurse; Charlotte - Community Staff Nurse: May - Community Staff Nurse; Bethany - Community Staff Nurse; Ashley - Community Staff Nurse; Bev - Community Staff Nurse; Natalie - Trainee Nursing Associate

Also thanks to the staff not present: Janice - Community Staff Nurse; Julia - Community Staff Nurse; Sarah - Community Matron;Jenny - Healthcare Assistant