ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the contribution that community nursing can make to the care of elderly people in general practice, discusses their role within and associated with the primary care team and describes some of the specialist work each group undertakes. It addresses some of the conflicts faced in teamwork, both within the primary health care team (PHCT). The challenge for PHCTs is to create structures that support joint working, avoid duplication and promote good care for patients. The Community Care Act has also had a fundamental impact on district nursing. The Act has shifted responsibility for much of the personal care traditionally provided by district nurses to care assistants. The origins of health visiting lie in maternal and child welfare. However, many are now expanding their role, or specializing, to work with older people, usually in anticipatory care, such as screening and health education. The organization of the Community psychiatric nursing (CPN) service varies from area to area.
