Publication of ‘Healthy Child, Healthy Future - Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2022/23'

The Department of Health has today published ‘Healthy Child, Healthy Future - Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2022/23’.

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:

• “Healthy Child, Healthy Future - Health Review Statistics for Northern Ireland 2022/23” is an annual publication that details the coverage and timeliness of pre-school health reviews. 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.
• This publication includes coverage and timing of six pre-school health reviews; the New Baby Review (10-14 days after birth); 6-8 Week Review; 14-16 Week Review; 6-9 Month Contact; Health Review 1 Year; and the 2 – 2 ½ Year Health Review.
• During 2022/23, Health Visitors were expected to carry out 127,164 contacts to cover these six review types for children across Northern Ireland. Some 89% of the reviews were completed; 81% within the recommended timeframe and a further 8% were completed outside the recommended timeframe. Some 10% 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, where issues are known these will be set out in the publication.
• The figures presented in this bulletin are derived from Child Health System extractions provided by each of HSC Trusts.

Notes to editors: 

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the Department of Health.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. This publication is available online at: Health review statistics for pre-school children | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).
6. Further information is available from:
   Community Information Branch
   Department of Health
   Room 11, Annexe 2,
   Castle Buildings,
   Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP
   E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk
   Internet: Department of Health
7. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
8. Follow us on X @healthdpt and linkedIn Department of Health NI | LinkedIn
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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