There has been a substantial drop in health visitors in most areas of England, according to analysis from University College London
and London Business School.
Health visiting workforce trends between 2016 and 2021 were analysed, with data – covering 147 English local authorities (LAs) –
obtained by freedom of information requests.
The number of HVs (majority NHS Band 6) dropped by 21%, with nearly 8 in 10 English LAs seeing a decline in the proportion of HVs
within their teams. Even though the number of clinical skill mix staff (mainly Band 4) rose, it resulted in an overall loss of workforce,
the authors highlighted.
The findings also showed that caseloads exceeded safe levels in 74% of LAs, with some caseloads of 1000+ children per case load holding staff member.
The authors estimate that achieving recommended caseloads would require around 3100 additional staff across all LAs, with
a 50:50 mix of HVs and clinical skill mix staff. They estimate it would cost around £120m per year in additional wages and £80m
in one-off training costs.
Overall, it was found that LA spending on universal health visiting fell by almost 20% in real terms between 2016-17 and 2023-24.
Yet the authors believe the funding needed is feasible when compared with recent early years investment by the government.
Co-author Dr Gabriel Weber Costa said: ‘The data clearly shows that, despite its transformational public health potential, health
visiting has been operating under sustained pressure for years.’ The authors ‘recommend urgent, targeted funding to expand and retain the health visiting workforce… to offer to every child the best start to life’.
Image | ISTOCK
