General Practitioner (GP)
For most people concerned about their memory their first point of contact is their GP. The GP undertakes assessment and can refer to specialist (hospital consultant, psychiatry) and allied health services (occupational therapist, physiotherapist, dietician, speech & language therapist). Following a diagnosis of dementia the GP may prescribe medication and can also provide general advice and information.
Memory Clinic:
The memory clinic is based in St Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel. It is a specialist assessment and diagnostic service. The consultant/advanced nurse practitioner will discuss your diagnosis and the steps you should take. You may also be referred to the Living well with Dementia Service for more information and where appropriate to participate in one of their post diagnostic programmes.
Public Health Nurse (PHN)
The Public Health Nurse is based in the local health centre or primary care unit. They provide nursing services to people who have a medical card. (However, in many/most areas PHNs may provide nursing services to nonmedical card holders subject to the level of available resources in the local area).They are able to offer advice and information and can refer to other healthcare professionals including the GP, allied healthcare services and services such as the Home Support Service, Meals on Wheels and day care services.
Primary Care Teams
A Primary Care Team (PCT) is a multidisciplinary group of health and social care professionals who work together to deliver local, accessible health and social services. PCTs provide a holistic approach to community needs on a social, welfare, housing, education and health needs basis. A primary care team consists of GPs, Nurses, Home Helps, Health and Social Care Professionals and Health Care Assistants. Your GP or PHN can link you to the services and healthcare professionals within your primary care team
