The Minister experienced at first hand the work of a health visitor as he went on a home visit to a young family in Belfast.
He said: “Over the next 10 years, the health and social care service in Northern Ireland will focus on a preventive approach, with greater emphasis on community-based services. Health visitors and school nurses will play their part in this through their important work supporting families and children and this will make a difference to parents and children alike.
“During the early years this will include a new schedule of visits including a home assessment from May this year on all two year olds as recommended by the Review of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
“The school nursing programme will evolve to include the different needs of primary school children and adolescents.
The Minister continued: "Our health service must adapt to meet the challenges of a changing 21st century society. Due to the demands of modern life, many new parents no longer have the support of an extended family circle.
"Some may experience isolation, anxiety or depression, all of which have a negative impact on their children. Through early intervention, health visitors and school nurses provide parents with the advice and guidance they need to cope with the pressures of parenthood."
The five-year plan will be led by Mary Hinds, the Director of Nursing in the Public Health Agency. Michael McGimpsey said: "The Public Health Agency, which I established in April 2009, is uniquely placed to co-ordinate and deliver health improvement to the Northern Ireland public at both the regional and, through effective partnership working, the local level."
The Minister concluded: "Parenting is a lifelong commitment and providing sufficient support from birth and throughout a child’s school years is vital to ensure a happy, fulfilling experience for families. This in turn will ensure a good basis for healthy adulthood and better long-term outcomes in later life. The role of health visitors and school nurses is vital in achieving this."
Notes to editors:
1. There are 545 (451 wte) health visitors and 143 (95.95 wte) school nurses in Northern Ireland.
2. In 2008, 25,631 new babies were born in Northern Ireland, evidencing a steady increase over the last number of years (21,385 in 2002). The population of children and young people in Northern Ireland 457,382
3. Most health visitors are aligned to and work closely with a GP practice.
4. All primary and secondary schools have a dedicated school nurse.
5. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
