Parents offered easy access to dedicated community nurse

Parents can contact the Paediatric Nurse Practitioner, 01706 676777

Parents of children in need of treatment for minor illnesses can now book an appointment directly with a dedicated Paediatric Nurse Practitioner.

The role is part of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Children’s Acute and Ongoing Needs Service (CAONS) which is provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. It was newly established in September 2016.

The service aims to provide clinical assessment, diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, and to reduce pressure on GPs, urgent care and hospital services.

The Paediatric Nurse Practitioner, Donna Pearce, can treat children aged up to the age of 19 with a range of minor illnesses such as asthma, a high temperature, sore throat, ear ache, skin conditions, abdominal pain, rashes and other common conditions.

Children and young people will mainly be seen in a clinic, which are offered at a number of venues across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. However, the nurse can provided care in people’s own homes where appropriate and available. The service is available from 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Thursday.

Donna Pearce said: “Parents want easy and rapid access to the right care when their child is ill.

“My role will help to ensure they get the best possible treatment while also reducing pressure on other busy NHS services.”

Parents can refer their child to the Paediatric Nurse Practitioner, via the CAONS Single Point of Access (SPOA):

• Phone: 01706 676777
• Email: pcn-tr.HMRChildrensAONS@nhs.net

The SPOA can be contacted Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm (the Paediatric Nurse Practitioner’s hours of availability are different to this.

Appointments are offered between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Thursday.)

For further information about the Paediatric Nurse Practitioner visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/hmrpnp