News
Where have all the health visitors gone?
1 May 2009
A poll in February this year showed that almost half of all new mothers in the UK saw their health visitor just once or twice in the first two months after giving birth. The same proportion of new mums never saw their health visitor again after their baby was eight weeks old. 52% of all mothers said that they had experienced some degree of depression.
In short, the problem seems to be the number of available health visitors. According to trade union United, the UK now has 2000 fewer than it did 10 years ago, despite being in the middle of a baby boom. Statistics show that 40% of health visitors are dealing with workloads of more than 500 children under five, compared to an average of half that in 1999.
A recent survey shows that two-thirds of GP practices have seen a surge in demand for advice on issues such as post-natal depression, baby sleep problems and breastfeeding advice, all areas traditionally looked after by midwives and health visitors. GPs also said they were often providing emotional support to distressed new mums.
In its new Child Health Strategy, published in February 2009, the Government has promised “stronger and better joined-up support during the crucial early years of life” for all families with young children. Some NHS Trusts are already trying to recruit more health visitors to close the gaps while both the major political parties have also made pledges in this area.
(Mother and Baby, May 2009)
