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Health Visiting (0 – 4 Years)

Health Visiting

The Health Visiting service is available to all families in Bath and North East Somerset who have children under the age of 5 years. Health visitors play a vital role in supporting and aiding expectant or new mothers and their families with any needs that may impact their health and wellbeing. It is recommended that both parents attend if possible, as this will provide an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns that they may have.

The role of health visitors

Health visitors have a significant role in ensuring that all children have the best possible start in life. Early experiences, including those before birth, can have a profound impact on the lifelong health and well-being of both children and their families. Health visitors provide evidence-based advice, information, and support to empower parents in caring for their children.

To view our health visiting hub list, please click the link below

Hub List

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access this service?

We see all families with children up to the age of 5 years. Families do not have to be referred into the service as we are informed about all families with young children who are born or move into the area – so we will get in touch with you. You can request to talk to a duty health visitor by calling our Single Point of Access (SPA) on 0300 247 0200 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.  

When will I be seen?

Health visitors are there to help and support you and your family with any needs that are impacting upon your health and wellbeing. The six contacts available to all families are:

  • An antenatal contact to meet with you (and your partner) between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
  • A home visit to complete the new birth visit when your baby is between 10 and 14 days old
  • A contact when your baby is between 6 and 8 weeks of age
  • A group session discussing Introducing Solids and Safety (3 to 4 months)
  • A contact before your baby is 1 (usually between 9 and 11 months)
  • A contact when your child is 2 years (24 months)

 

 

Who might my child and I see?

Health Visitors

All health visitors are qualified nurses or midwives and have specialist training to be able to provide the best support to families with young children. Health visitors are also able to signpost families to other services as your family needs. They will work in partnership with you and your family to decide on the level of support you may require. They also work closely with midwives, practices nurses and GPs and may call on other professionals too.
Health visitors are there to help and support you and your family with any concerns that you have.

Staff Nurses

Staff Nurses work alongside Health Visitors, providing support in our Baby and Toddler Hubs and 10-12 Month Developmental Reviews.

Early Help Family Practitioners (EHFP)

EHFPs work alongside Health Visitors, offering advice and support around subjects such as: behaviour, sleep, toileting, play and development. You may also see an EHFP for your child’s 24-27 month developmental review.

What can I talk to my Health Visitor about?

With your Health Visitor, you are able to share thoughts, feelings and experiences about being a parent health Visitors have the professional experience to support you through any worries you may have. At the hubs, you can also chat with other parents in a relaxed play environment for your baby. The Health Visiting Team may be able to support you:

  • Infant feeding and introducing family foods
  • Understanding your baby’s behaviour and how they are developing
  • Adjusting to becoming a parent
  • Family life and difficulties such as postnatal depression
  • Healthy choices such as lifestyle, eating or immunisations
  • Home safety, discussing housing concerns, domestic abuse or child abuse

We work with other professionals and practitioners to support you getting additional expert help if you need it. We can also signpost you to take full advantage of the range of resources that are available to you locally so you can gain support within your own community. We also work closely with local Children’s Centres to promote family activities which help build a strong bond with your child. Children’s Centres offer a range of services, advice and support for Parents and Carers.

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