Timetable for health visiting baby reviews changed

The schedule of appointments to assess the development of babies on the Isle of Man is set to to be "streamlined" to bring it into line with public health guidance in England.

The Health Visiting Service supports families with children from pregnancy until the start of school, and runs as part of the Universal Healthy Child Programme.

Manx Care while the majority of reviews will remain the same, the seven to nine month review, would be pushed back to one year from 1 March.

All other reviews would remain the same, including current Manx three-to-four month review and school readiness review, which do not feature in the UK guidance.

The health care provider said assessments of the child's health and development were completed at each review and increased contact with the service would be offered if needed.

Sessions cover breastfeeding, safer sleep, family mental health, immunisation status, nutrition, oral health, speech, language, communication and physical activity.

Parents concerned about their child's health outside of the scheduled reviews have been encouraged to contact the team at the Palatine and Kensington Health Centre and Cronk Coar in the east, Castletown Health Centre, Peel Medical Centre or Ramsey Dalmeny House.

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