A health visitor is a qualified registered nurse or midwife who has undergone further specialist training in public health. This additional training is a degree or master level qualification in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN-HV).
Role of a health visitor
Health visitors work with families with children aged 0 to 5 years, supporting them to:
- identify health needs
- promote healthy lifestyles
- prevent illness
- assess children growth and development
- provide information, advice, and emotional support to parents
- safeguard and protect children by working alongside other professionals
- organise health promotion clinics
Health visitors deliver the Healthy Child programme and collaborate with families to create personalised health plans. They also complete the five required check-ups for children at the appropriate ages which includes:
- antenatal contact
- new birth visit at 10 – 14 days
- 6 – 8 weeks contact Including Maternal Mood assessment
- 12 months health check and development al review
- 24 months health check and development al review
How health visitors work
Health visitors team up with other health and social care professionals to provide seamless, comprehensive care. They play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and families in the community.