UK governments ‘can’t afford not to’ invest in health visiting - RCN

Published: 05 July 2011

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (5 July) highlighted the importance of Health Visitors to children and families, publishing strong evidence for health visiting as a means of improving public health in a challenging time for the NHS. The principles position statement released today sets out core values to guide the development of health visiting across the UK

Commenting on the paper, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary said:
“Taking a new baby home can be a daunting time for any parent, but having support from a Health Visitor can help parents enormously during those early days. The health visitor also plays a key role in a child’s development by detecting emotional, mental and physical health problems early on. They also make a massive contribution to managing the long term effects of serious public health problems such as smoking, alcohol and obesity within families.

“We know from examples -  such as the two Health Visitors in Falmouth who led changes in the community and delivered a 50% decrease in crime and 70% decrease in postnatal depression - that these key staff are worth every penny.  When health visitors can break some of the generational cycles of poor health and inequality, it is not a question of them being a cost to UK governments – we simply can’t afford not to make them a priority.

“However, we are concerned that many Health Visitors report low morale and being overstretched. Yes, spending time with families is not quick or easy, but being able to take this time means that problems can persist, generation after generation. Before the general election, David Cameron pledged to increase the number of Health Visitors by 4,200, providing highest levels of support to those in deprived areas. We would urge the government to maintain this commitment.”

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Notes for Editors

1.For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2.      The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations