Health Visitors
Health visitors are qualified and experienced nurses or midwives. In addition, they undertake a post registration Specialist Community Practioner degree. Many health visitors also have higher degrees in specific aspects of health promotion or other areas of particular interest. Health visitors predominantly work with families of pre-school aged children to promote optimum health. They work in a team with School Health Advisors, Staff Nurses and Nursery Nurses. They also work alongside members of the primary health care team and a wide range of other professionals, such as hospital staff, midwives, teachers and social workers. Health visitors have close links with voluntary organisations that support families, such as Home Start.
After the birth of a baby or following registration of a child under the age of five years with the GP practice, parents are contacted by the health visiting team and introduced to the services available. These include breast feeding support groups, well baby clinics, routine developmental assessments and the opportunity to discuss any aspect of a child or parent's physical, mental or emotional health and wellbeing. The health visitor is a useful source of information regarding local community support services for families with young children.
Health visitors advise on all aspects of infant feeding, immunisations, care for children with disabilities and general parenting and childcare issues.
To contact the health visiting team phone 01462 892274
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