| Health visitors are trained nurses (RN), some of whom are midwives or paediatric trained, who have undertaken an extra year’s training covering child development, nutrition, social policy, psychology, behavioural management, health education and much more. Their duties involve providing support to families and individuals, referring as necessary to other agencies and professionals. Nursery nurses and community staff nurses work alongside the Health Visitor. They are especially concerned with the care of children under five years old. They offer ante-natal visits and home visits up to six weeks after the birth of a baby, with a view to giving advice and support at this special time. There are Mother and baby Clinics at Millwood Surgery run in conjunction with the childhood immunisation clinics. Days and times are displayed on notices in the waiting rooms. The Health Visitor is in attendance to offer advice if required. Health Visitors carry out routine developmental checks with children at six weeks, eight months, 18 months and three and a half years. The Health Visitor has an office at Millwood Surgery (01493) 603800. Alternatively, please call (01493) 669676, or the Newberry Clinic (01493) 442322 will take messages. |