Matron service steers children away from A&E

The Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust asked the parents of 17 of the 70 children the matrons work with about their experience of the service.

It found that nine would have taken their child to accident and emergency and five would have gone to their GP or a walk-in centre for a review of their child’s health if the matrons were not able to visit them.

All of the parents said that they came away from meetings with the matrons knowing who to contact if they had any worries about their children’s health.

Sheila Dalby, divisional manager of children’s services at the NHS trust, said: “Our children’s community matrons have a strong track record in providing high standards of care to children with complex health needs and their families.

“These latest findings are a huge credit to the ongoing commitment and hard work of the whole team.”

Of those who took part in the survey, 14 said their child was seen at their home and the remaining three were visited at school.

Liverpool’s children’s community matron service launched in March 2008 and was the first service of its kind in the UK.

The service, which aims to reduce avoidable hospital admissions, consists of a team of three senior nurses who act as the first point of contact for families with children who have long-term, complex health needs.

The matrons also provide advocacy support for the children and conduct regular reviews of the medical support they receive.