Report Recommends Redefining The Role Of Health Visitors, UK

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.



A full copy of the report can be found
here.


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