Bid to save health visitor service

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The Family and Parenting Institute survey of primary care trusts (PCTs) shows caseloads vary across the country from one health visitor for every 160 children under five, to one health visitor per 1,140 under-fives.

The institute also commissioned a YouGov poll of 4,775 parents which found three-quarters (76%) said they wanted parenting support and advice on under-fives' health and development from a trained health visitor with up-to-date knowledge.

More than eight out of 10 (83%) said they wanted that support and advice in the home.

Mary MacLeod, the institute's chief executive, said: "Our research clearly shows that parents already value the service they receive. And yet these figures show that this service is under threat.

"In some PCTs there is now a shocking lack of provision. Redbridge, for example, told us there is only one health visitor for every 1142.51 children under five.

"This, coupled with a survey carried out by Amicus Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association - which showed that 29% of health visitors had concerns that their caseloads are so large they are losing track of vulnerable families - paints a very worrying picture."

The organisation is demanding that the Government pledge to provide a universal health visitor service for all parents with an intensive service for parents who will benefit most, a preventative health visitor service for vulnerable families and better training for health visitors.

Ms MacLeod added: "Government assures us it is working hard to provide the best possible start for children and families.

"Yet there is no better start for a child than having a professional at hand to help their parents give them the support and care they need; taking that golden opportunity to engage with parents soon after birth when they are so much more likely to respond positively."