Region launches campaign to find 400 health visitors to help families

Posters and postcards featuring health visitors working in the region have been sent out to GP surgeries, universities and SureStart children’s centres to inspire qualified nurses and midwives to join the profession.

The campaign is part of the Government’s pledge to double the number of health visitors across the UK by 2015 and deliver improved support to children and families at the start of life.

Among health visitors featured in the campaign is Sophie Wigby-Ashurst, who has held the role at the Harrogate NHS trust for the last two years.

Previously, she had spent a decade as a psychiatric nurse working with drug addicts.

“I chose to become a health visitor because, as a mum, I wanted to help other families enjoy and make the most of their lives – and help children be as healthy as possible,” she said.

“Parenthood can sometimes be bewildering and I make sure that parents are aware of what help is available to them, should they need it.

“It’s great to have a job that involves getting out and about in the community and being able to work with so many different people.”

Anita McCrum, public health senior nurse at the regional health authority, said: “We know that the more support, help and advice we can give families in the younger years of a child’s life, the greater the chance that those children have to grow up to be healthy and happy.”

Officials said they were looking for qualified nurses and midwives interested in working with children and families who could take up fully-funded training at universities in the region.

They were also looking to attract former health visitors who wanted to return to the profession.

For more information on training, support and funding go to www.healthvisiting.org.uk.