Issue - meetings

Report attached.

A new contract for health visiting had commenced from 1 April 2020. This had included funding for 3 new health visitors and 2 new staff nurses. Health visitors undertook visits at antenatal and newborn stages as well as at 6-8 weeks, 1 year and 2 years of age. These services were still delivered during the pandemic but were carried out virtually. Face to face visits were still made for vulnerable children.

Additional services offered by NELFT included a lead officer and support group for mental health.

School nurses had assisted with the reinstatement of the National Child Measurement Programme. School nurses also offered face to face and drop-in appointments with young people.

Partnership working included the Henry programme for Health Eating and the establishment of Dads Groups. Work was ongoing to establish a digital platform and the 0-19 years services Facebook page had received a good response. Work was also in progress with the Primary Mental Health Team to establish parent, school and student conversations and drop-in sessions. There was also regular contact with the Council’s Public Health Team. Public Health officers received monthly performance reports and there was quarterly monitoring of the NELFT contract with the Council. Services had recovered quickly following the pandemic.

It was confirmed post-natal depression was checked for at the 6-8 weeks visit and weekly or monthly ‘listening visits’ could be implemented to offer additional support. Referrals could be made to the mental health team or a support group.

It was clarified that any respiratory problems encountered by the under 2s were due to a lack of exposure during the pandemic, not because of wearing a mask. Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation guidance was followed what age groups to vaccinate. It was accepted that there were potential risks from social isolation, even with the availability of virtual services.