It’s been a great 12 months for the service which delivers Health Visiting, School Nursing and specialist SEND support in Knowsley.
The first annual report since management of the 0-25 Service in Knowsley transferred to Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (WCHC) has been published. It highlights delivery of responsive and integrated services complimented by new innovative developments.
Much of the new innovation has been about making it easier than ever for parents and carers in Knowsley to access the support they need.
The introduction of an online referral form has made it really simple for parents and carers to request support and the new antenatal online platform hosts a wealth of information, advice and support.
Other developments include a dedicated website, and online service directory , plus Facebook pages for Health Visiting and School Nursing. School Nursing has also launched ChatHealth, a confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11 to 19. It is also available for young people aged19 -25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Service also provides support to children with SEND, linking in with local nurseries, schools and agencies to ensure all families receive the support they need
The report includes feedback from service users and it’s been really positive.
One mum commented:
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your support with my breastfeeding journey over the past 7 weeks. I was determined to give breastfeeding a go and the help and guidance I received especially early on, very much kept me going.”
Another parent said:
“Friendly and supportive visit – no question was too silly and very reassuring for the first time parent.”
While a young person said of the School Nurse:
The nurse was well mannered, happy to listen to me and very friendly with all the family, all round professional.”
The Government Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID) has highlighted the report as evidencing the good practice and innovation seen in the 0-25 Service in Knowsley.
Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Margaret Harvey, said:
“I’m extremely proud of our dedicated local health professionals who have continued to deliver high quality services and tailored support to children and families in Knowsley during a period of change for them in their workplace management.
“I’m delighted with the wealth of experience WCHC has brought to Knowsley over the past 12 months, helping to make a real difference to the lives of our families.”
Cllr Bannon, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Health, added:
“The 0-25 Service has continuously demonstrated untiring passion and commitment to ensuring that local children and families get the support they need. The team offer person-centred care and demonstrate an openness to new ways of working to deliver excellence in quality improvements.
“The 0-25 Service is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of local children, young people and their families, helping to reduce health inequalities and responding to local needs whilst providing universal and targeted support as required.”
The 0-25 Service transferred to WCHC in February 2022.