March 20, 2020 5.57 pm This story is over 48 months old

County council cuts children’s health visits amid coronavirus crisis

Council bosses say the move “ensures we can continue to respond to need”

Lincolnshire County Council’s health visitors and nurses are to stop “routine visits” while the authority tackles the coronavirus emergency.

The announcement was made by council leader Martin Hill and chief executive Debbie Barnes in an update on Friday.

Currently, health visitor services and children and young people’s nurses help deliver the Healthy Child Programme for families from pregnancy to the start of school, as well as additional support to school age children who need it.

However, Mrs Barnes confirmed that to “ensure we can continue to respond to need” it would only provide:

  • Contact with families before baby is born, usually by telephone
  • Visit to the home for newborn babies after midwife stops visiting
  • Individual care package for those who need it because children at high risk
  • Nurses continue to support children with incontinence needs

Routine visits will no longer take place, however, families will still be able to access the service by calling 01522 843000.

Councillor Hill called on residents to continue to follow government advice, noting Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement that the tide might be turned on the virus in the next 12 weeks.

He said: “This weekend I’m encouraging people to follow the advice, reduce unnecessary travel, socialising and continue washing hands regularly to help protect the most vulnerable here in Lincolnshire and across the country.”

Many council services will continue “as normal” however, are seeing limited staff.

The duo also praised community minded residents and staff, including 43 staff who volunteered to work at the county’s residential homes yesterday.

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