The NSPCC has found that only 6% of mothers in the East of England could recall seeing the same health professional in the health reviews that take place during pregnancy and up to their child turning one, according to a recent YouGov poll.
The survey of over 248 mothers with children aged one to three in the East of England revealed that as well as over a quarter seeing a new person each time, 30% had a letter, phone call or text message instead of a face-to-face visit. Mothers were asked about their experience of the first four health reviews that take place during pregnancy and up to their child’s first birthday.
Worryingly, despite a maternal mental health check-in being a requirement at each review, 50% of mums said their health professional didn’t establish a relationship where they could share concerns about their wellbeing. 36% of mothers reported rarely being asked about their mental health.
Led by health visitors, all families in England are legally entitled to receive five check-ins from qualified health professionals via the Healthy Child Programme. This starts during pregnancy and continues at regular intervals until their child reaches two and a half.
Cuts of 15% to the public health budget however, have raised concerns that health visitors are not able to provide families across the country with the support they need. This coupled with a 31% decline in NHS health visitors has led to an increase of caseloads for those still in the profession that is well above the recommended 250 safe limit .
With perinatal mental health problems affecting up to one in five mothers and up to one in 10 fathers, the NSPCC believes that families must be supported by a consistent health visitor. This continuity of care is vital to enable parents to open up about any worries and for early signs and symptoms of mental health concerns to be spotted and supported.
In 2019 the Government announced it was going to modernise the Healthy Child Programme to ensure it meets the needs of families. Ahead of the upcoming budget and spending review, the NSPCC’s Fight for a Fair Start campaign is urging the Government to invest in the public health grant so mums and babies get the care they need.
