Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program Sees Another Busy Year in 2004

Submitted by Rosemary Sheahan, BNSc., R.N.
Public Health Nurse, Coordinator, Healthy Babies Healthy Children

Public health nurses provided prenatal education to families as well as parenting information to families with a newborn or a child less than six years old.

Public health nurses contacted 1,379 families after the birth of a baby (87% within 48 hours of discharge from hospital). A home visit from the nurse was accepted by 66% of these families.

The home visiting program was also busy in 2004 with 162 families being referred for support and education from both a public health nurse and family home visitor. This represents about 60% increase to this program.

In addition, 1,445 families with 17 month olds were sent a package of information regarding growth and development along with a developmental checklist to complete when their toddler turns 18 months and is taken to their health care practitioner for the 18-month appointment.

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