DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release (2007/0158) issued by The Government News Network on 15
June 2007
An independent
review is recommending strengthening the role for health visitors
to maximises the impact they can have on children and families.
Ros Lowe, Chair of the Queens Nursing Institute, who led the
review, was commissioned by Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, to
describe a renewed role for health visitors in light of changing
health needs and public expectations.
Following wide-ranging engagement with over a thousand health
visitors and local leaders, the review recommends that the
profession should have two key roles:
- Leading and delivering
a renewed Child Health Promotion Programme for all young children
and families
- Intensive early intervention and prevention for
families who need help most
It is in these areas where health visitors can utilise their
skills and knowledge to have the greatest impact and help deliver
the Government's commitment to ensure that children and
families receive the care and support they need.
Ros Lowe, Chair of the Queens Nursing Institute,
"In carrying out this review I have listened carefully to
the profession about what they feel health visitors should offer.
"It is not simply about more health visitors doing the same
job they have always done but rather focussing their skills and
expertise: in early intervention with children and families, and
in tackling the 'difficult' issues in vulnerable
families and communities within a public health context."
Welcoming the review, Christine Beasley Chief Nursing Officer, said:
"I know that there are genuine concerns within the
profession that health visiting has lost its focus, which is why
we commissioned this review. I am determined that we clarify the
role of health visitors to ensure they are best placed to make the
greatest impact. This review recognises the huge impact that
health visitors can have on children's health and well-being
and we will be studying the recommendations closely
Dr Peter Carter OBE, General Secretary of the RCN, said
'I welcome this report which provides a clear direction for
the modernised health visiting service in the future. Primary care
trusts should use this report to strengthen the contribution of
health visiting to local child health promotion and review health
visiting resources to achieve this'
The Government will now engage stakeholders on how we take
forward the recommendations within the report and will publish its
response to the review in the autumn.
Notes to editors
A full copy of the report can be found at
(http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Chiefprofessionalofficers/Chiefnursingofficer/index.htm)
For general enquiries contact 020 7210 4850.
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