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"Ending of generic drop in child health clinics"

About: Children & younger people's services / Rushcliffe Healthy Family Team

(as the patient),

I used the drop in weigh clinic with my first baby regularly. It was a vital part of my life being a first time mum and provided much needed support and reassurance informally. It was more than just getting your baby weighed although this was very important to me and most mums I know. It was also something to get yourself together to get to and able to meet other mums. I never found waiting times too long and wasn't bothered by people hearing my discussion with a health visitor. If you have something more confidential I believe you would request a private appointment. I have been to the clinic a lot less with my second baby because I am more experienced and confident but it has still be inaluable to me. My 3 year daughter loves the little kitchen to play with while I am busy with my baby boy. I think the impact on the cancellation of this service will really impact on new mums well being and also other Heath care services such as GPs as this was a first point of call I believe. I was in disbelief at first and then quite angry as well as upset that this service which I think we need has been taken away. I have feel really sorry for any new mum following me who won't be benefit from the dedication and support of the health care staff. In regards to self weighing when you have just had a baby, have serious sleep deprivation and often not even sure how to handle your baby, weighing on your own? ! you also might not be in great shape after labour. I just think this is a step too far. We pay a lot in council tax and this was a big part of what I believe should be spent on in such a family orientated area such as Rushcliffe.

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Responses

Response from Jo Lewis, Head of Service Children & Young People, Rushcliffe Locality, County Health Partnerships 7 years ago
Jo Lewis
Head of Service Children & Young People, Rushcliffe Locality,
County Health Partnerships
Submitted on 17/01/2017 at 14:20
Published on Care Opinion at 15:48


Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. I am pleased that you have found the drop in clinics a valuable service.

The change that we are implementing is to move away from generic drop-in sessions to enable us to offer a tailored service for parents to meet their individual needs offering privacy and protected time with the Health Visitor. Other parents have fed back to us that the Child Health Clinics are often too busy and they have to wait for a long time, based on this feedback and the need to work effectively we recognised the need to change the way we deliver services to appointment only sessions. Parents will still be able to see their Health Visitor when they require advice and support by contacting the local health visiting team to book a slot. The team will continue to advise and support new parents and will weigh children at intervals appropiate to a child's health and development.

I know meeting other new parents is really important when you have a young child. The children and young people's services in Nottinghamshire that deliver health visiting and children centre services are fully integrated and are working to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for those with young children to meet and have access to advice when needed. We will in Rushcliffe be providing opportunities for parents to be able to weigh their child if they are interested in knowing the weight of their child outside of the intervals as agreed with your health visitor.

If you wish to discuss your concerns further please contact Jo Lewis on 0115 8837828.

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