Health Visiting (Craigavon and Banbridge) - Southern Trust

Health Visitors are Registered Nurses who have been specially trained in child health, child development and health promotion. We offer practical support and advice to promote the health of you, your family and the whole community.

Health Visitors work in partnership with families. It is a confidential service and we are available to see you in your home, our offices or at your GP surgery. We work closely with midwives, GPs, other professionals such as social services, if required, and voluntary and community agencies.

Every family with a child under five years old has a named Health Visitor. Many pregnant women will first be contacted by their Health Visitor for an antenatal home visit after 28 weeks.

Pregnancy We will give you information and advice on how to enjoy good health during pregnancy and help you prepare for the changes a new baby brings in your life. We will also begin to complete the Family Health Assessment which helps us provide the best possible care for you and your family.

Miscarriage / Stillbirth Health Visitors offer help and counselling at such difficult times.

Your New Baby We are available to advise and support you, your partner and your family through this happy but often challenging period. By working closely with you, your family and other professionals we can help ensure your baby gets the best start in life.

Your Health Visitor will see you and your baby 10-14 days following the birth. This visit takes place in your home and will include an examination of your baby. We will provide parenting information and post natal care.

Contact will continue in the early weeks through home visiting or at a clinic and at regular periods until your child starts school.

You may also at times be seen by other members of our health visiting teams, these include registered staff nurses and health visiting assistants.

Your Young Child Every parent and child has access to a universal programme of preventive health care. These contacts will be recorded in your Personal Child Health Record (Red Book). Don’t forget your Red Book when attending these appointments. We will discuss any concerns you may have at this or any other time. These concerns could include parenting, nutrition, breast feeding, toileting, dental health, behaviour management, child development and preparation for school.

Your School Child We can offer help and guidance on many issues as your child goes through school, for example behaviour management, parenting, bedwetting and asthma.

Children with Special Needs Health Visitors work as part of a team who provide support and can give information on your child’s particular condition, including benefits, support groups, health services and education needs.

Craigavon and Banbridge :

• Lurgan Health and Social Services Centre. Tel: 028 3831 1003 / 1004
• Brownlow Health and Social Services Centre. Tel: 028 3834 1431
• Portadown Health and Care Centre. Tel: 028 3833 4400 / 028 3836 0489
• Blossom Sure Start. Tel: 028 3833 7455
• Banbridge Health and Social Services Centre. Tel: 028 4066 2866 / 028 4062 0070
• Dromore Clinic. Tel: 028 9269 0930 / 2461
• Gilford Health Centre. Tel: 028 3883 3926 / 3924