The role of the children's nurse in the community.

In 1969 a pediatric home nursing service was started in Southampton to care for sick children at home. The primary role of the children's nurse in the community is discussed with particular reference to day case surgery, early discharge, care of the mentally and physically handicapped, pediatric medical care, prevention of a hospital admission, and care of the terminally ill. The secondary roles of teaching and liaison between the hospital and the primary health care team is discussed. After 10 yr experience with over 12,000 admissions to the day unit we believe that the majority of general surgical procedures such as circumcision, inguinal herniotomy, and orchidopexies can be safely undertaken on a day basis. The provision of adequate nursing care in the community which is closely linked with the hospital has been one of the main reasons for the success of the scheme.