FACE to face health visiting appointments are now available to all families in Worcestershire with children aged up to five years old.
The Worcestershire Health Visiting Team, who sit within the Starting Well Partnership have launched new bookable health visiting clinics for families across the county.
Health visitors are registered nurses who have undertaken additional training in community public health nursing and are fundamental in ensuring every child has the best start in life.
Together with the wider Starting Well Partnership they can help with advice and information on anything that affects local families, from child development, feeding and breastfeeding support, to information on local baby groups and parenting courses.
Like many services, health visitors had to adapt the way they provided support during the pandemic to protect the health of parents, children and their staff.
This meant for many families telephone and online support was offered in line with guidance to minimise the risk of transmitting Covid-19.
Natasha Morris-Day, Health Visiting Team Lead in Redditch and Bromsgrove said: “Our primary focus throughout the pandemic was maintaining support for those who needed us most. We’re delighted to now be in a position where we can safely invite families back in to see our teams face to face.”
“The appointment based clinics offer an opportunity for families to discuss their child’s health and development and raise any concerns they may have.”
Families can book an appointment at a Family Hub or clinic by contacting their local team. Full details can be found on the Starting Well Partnership website: https://www.startingwellworcs.nhs.uk/hv-clinics.
Families can also contact the Telephone Advisory Service (TAS) which is available to parents and carers of children up to the age of five years, to discuss concerns including feeding, toileting and behaviour.
Manned by health visitors, the service is available Monday – Friday between 9am to 3pm by calling 0300 123 9551.
