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<p>The Department knows that some parts of the National Health Service are under pressure
at the moment. Health Visitors and other health professionals have the potential to
play a strong role in reducing the burden on emergency departments. We welcome proposals
on innovative ways to achieve this.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>NHS England has
advised that while health visiting services are currently provided in many community
locations including children’s centres, community clinics and local general practitioner
surgeries, NHS England is carrying out work to look at how health visitors, in response
to local need, can support other frontline services and provide more support and advice
to parents on caring for their children.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>For example,
London and Midland and East Regions are looking at opportunities which will simultaneously
enhance the health visiting service provision and support a reduction in accident
and emergency attendance and waiting times over the winter period.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>In both regions the services offered will fall within the professional
scope of Health Visitors and are designed to support families receive the most appropriate
care. In addition, health visitors in accident and emergency departments can support
delivery of the high impact areas: particularly managing minor illness, preventing
accidents and also support maternal mental health, early attachment, and transition
to parenthood and breastfeeding.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>These ideas have been
shared with the other regions.</p><p> </p>
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