Health visiting
What does the service do?
Health visitors are qualified nurses who have undertaken further specialised training and are experienced in child health, health promotion and health education. Health visitors help people stay healthy and avoid illness. We are here to listen to you and to help, advise and support you in all sorts of situations.
We work closely with GPs, district nurses, school health nurses, midwives, social workers and school teachers.
Health visitors provide advice and support on a range of health issues such as:
- obesity, smoking, alcohol, drugs and accident prevention
- infant, child and family mental health
- preventing social exclusion in children and families
- supporting the capacity for better parenting, improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development,
- safeguarding children, addressing domestic violence, supporting parental relationships and fathers in the parenting role.
How can I access the service?
All families with children under five are allocated a named health visitor. Your health visitor will first see you and your family at the antenatal stage (before a baby is born). We'll see you again once your baby is born, and then at various stages within your child’s life. We operate an open access service which means you can contact your health visitor whenever you need to see them.
Where will I see a health visitor?
Families are often visited at home, but health visitors also run a variety of clinics and support groups in local areas which could be at health centres and children centres.
Contact details
You can access a health visitor by contacting your GP surgery or the Geoffrey Rhodes Centre on 0191 219 4639.
Local support groups
Children's information service - this website provides information and advice on childcare and early years education in Newcastle. The site includes information on nurseries, registered childminders, schools and creches.
Community mothers - community mothers is a support group offering a monthly home visiting service for first time parents and those experiencing minor difficulties. Tel. 0191 219 5923 during office hours, 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Useful websites
NHS Direct - this is a website and a 24 hour nurse-led helpline providing advice and information. You can telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
Sure Start - Sure Start improves health and education for children up to 4 years of age and provides a range of support for their families.
Childhood Immunisation site - this is an NHS site providing up to date information for parents, carers and health professionals about immunisations.
UNICEF UK The Baby Friendly Initiative - offers information to mothers on feeding babies.
La Leche League Great Britain - offers breast feeding support to mothers. Also provides a helpline telephone number for information and support.
