The Department of Health and Social Care has published its much-anticipated update to the Healthy Child Programme (HCP). The blueprint is part of the government’s drive to create ‘the healthiest generation of children’ by improving the health and wellbeing of those aged 0 to 19.
The new HCP includes delivery and commissioning guidance as well as a high-impact area framework that helps put the principles into practice. It also aims to increase clarity and address the variation in service equity and quality – two pieces of feedback contributed by the hundreds of professionals and organisations who replied to the department’s consultation.
The guidance also now emphasises the clinical importance of face-to-face contact and reaffirms the vital role of health visitors in the UK’s healthcare.
A spokesperson for the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA) welcomed the HCP update, but warned there is ‘still much to do’.
‘It is crucial that school nurses continue to shout out, be heard and inform ongoing development of the Healthy Child Programme. ‘If the government is to achieve its aspiration… removing the current postcode lottery is crucial’.
Image | ISTOCK
