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Care Opinion

Child Health Nurse

Posted By 1st time mum

"Child Health Nurse"

About: Child and Adolescent Community Health

(as a parent/guardian),

We have just been advised of the changes to the purple book appointments, however for some reason there is no transition period for those of us already in the system.

For us, this means no check ups for our baby (first born) between the ages of 8 months and 2 years. This is because we will miss out on the 18 month appointment by 1 day (our baby will be 18 months old on the day the changes are implemented). And because our local centres are so busy, there is no availability to attend this appointment early.

Given the incredible amount of change and development during this period, it is so important to have that support and check in with the community health nurses.

I urge the department to consider bringing in a transition period for those parents who will fall between the gaps like us.

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Responses

Response from Lisa Brennan, Executive Director, Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA 6 years ago
Lisa Brennan
Executive Director, Child and Adolescent Community Health,
Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA

Submitted on 17/05/2017 at 6:35 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 18/05/2017 at 8:52 AM

Dear 1st time mum,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the new community child health program. I am pleased to hear that you have found the community child health services to be a valuable support for you and your baby.

I can assure you that all families wanting to access child health services can continue to do so post the changes on 1 July. Please be reassured that you can continue to access the support you need from your child health nurse.

While the routine Purple Book health check ages are changing from 1 July 2017, appointments can be requested at any time in between these health checks if parents have any queries or concerns. This means you can still access an appointment for your baby when they are 18 months of age, or at any time you have a concern.

I understand that you have had difficulty obtaining an appointment. Please call our central office if you still require an appointment and we will actively assist. The phone number is 9323 6652 and our Executive Assistant, Margaret Harwood, will help with your request.

Thank you again for your query, and I wish you both you and your baby the very best.

Kind regards

Lisa Brennan
Executive Director
Child and Adolescent Community Health

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