Health visiting and community matrons: progress in partnership.

Since primary care services face their biggest challenges in the reorganisation of the NHS, a major theme for future service delivery is the effective management of clients with long-term conditions. Nationally, PCTs are committed to preparing experienced, senior nurses as community matrons, who will lead integrated health and social care for people with multiple long-term conditions and reduce hospital admissions. This paper discusses how health visitors can influence and support the development of local long-term condition services and the importance of health visitors working with community matrons to share their experiences and skills for the benefit of both patients and professionals.