Publication of ‘Healthy Child, Healthy Future - Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2019/20’
Date published:
The Department of Health has today published ‘Healthy Child, Healthy Future - Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2019/20’.
This annual publication details the coverage and timeliness of preschool health contacts. It reports on the Healthy Child, Healthy Future framework which sets out a programme of child health contacts that every family in Northern Ireland can expect.
Key Facts and Figures:
- This publication includes coverage and timing of six pre-school health reviews; from the New Baby Review (10-14 days after birth) to the 2-2 ½ Year Health Review.
- During 2019/20, Health Visitors were expected to carry out 137,141 contacts to cover these six reviews for children across Northern Ireland. Some 91% of the reviews were completed; 82% within the recommended timeframe and 9% were completed, but outside the recommended timeframe. Some 9% of the reviews did not take place.
- The publication does not capture information on why reviews were completed outside of the recommended timeframe or had not taken place, however an Audit carried out in 2017 indicated that workforce issues as well as parental wishes were among the main reasons.
- The figures presented in this bulletin are derived from Child Health System extractions provided by each of the five Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.
Notes to editors:
- This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the Department of Health.
- Healthy Child, Healthy Future (HCHF) is a framework for the universal Child Health Promotion Programme within Northern Ireland. It is recognised as being central to improving child health across a range of issues and giving every child and young person the best start in life.
- A health review will take place in the family home; however when appropriate, contacts can also take place in a health centre and/or in a group setting. Health Visitors are qualified nurses who have taken further training in Community & Child Health. Health Visitors work with individuals, families and groups whilst liaising closely with midwives, practice nurses and GPs.
- The statistics are collected quarterly from the Health and Social Care Trusts with a built in three month lag to ensure the administrative systems have been updated.
- This publication is available on the Department's website.
- Further information is available from:
Community Information Branch
Department of Health
Room 11, Annexe 2
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SQ
E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk - For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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