Literacy news
Safety concerns over chronic shortage of NHS health visitors
23 Aug 2009
Health authorities in the capital are increasingly relying on "socially targeted" visits, it is alleged, neglecting those not deemed most at risk. The association that represents this profession recommends a ratio of one health visitor for every 350 children under the age of five. Currently, the association claims that in one London area, more than 2,000 children are being looked after by the equivalent of only 1.5 health visitor posts.
An NHS Hounslow spokesman said: "We acknowledge that like many other Primary Care Trusts across the country, we have challenges in recruiting health visitors. The government is currently looking at ways to increase the numbers of health visitors going into training nationally."
(The Guardian, 23 August 2009)
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