The Stonelaw Practice

Health Visitors

Our Health Visitors are Carole. Sharon and Emily.  They can all be contacted during the hours of 8.30am - 5pm by telephoning

Carole Venters               0141 531 6049
Sharon Gavigan           0141 531 6048
Emily Anderson            0141 531 6048

A Health Visitors role is a varied one and is an integral part of the NHS Community Health Service.  The main focus of their work is prevention, helping people to stay healthy and avoid illness.

The Health Visitor is a Qualified Registered Nurse, Midwife, Sick Children's Nurse or Psychiatric Nurse with Specialist qualifications in Community Health, which includes child health, health promotion and education.

The HVs role involves promoting health in the whole community, and they are particularly involved with families who have children under five and with the elderly population. Because most HVs are attached to GP Practices they also work with all patients registered with a GP Practice.  HVs look at the broader picture to identify the health needs within their community and allows them to affect local policy.  Every family with children under five has a named health visitor, who offers supports and encouragement to families through the early years from pregnancy and birth to primary school and beyond.  They work closely with GPs and cover the geographical area of the GP Practice.  Most HVs work alongside midwives preparing parents for the birth of their baby by their involvement in pre birth classes.

        Our Health Visitors can also offer help and advice to patients on the following:

• Their Child's growth & development.

• Common infections in childhood.

• Common skin problems.

• Behaviour difficulties.  Sleeping, eating, potty training, temper tantrums and teething.

• Breastfeeding, weaning, healthy eating, hygiene, safety and exercise.

• Post natal depression, bereavement and violence in the family.

        The Health Visitors are also involved in:

• Working in partnership with families to tailor health plans to their needs.

• Coordinating child immunisation programmes.

• Organising and running baby clinics.

• Health promotion groups, Breast feeding support groups, Parent support groups, parenting courses.

• Nurse prescribing.

For more information please contact our Health Visitors or use the free online service "Ask a Health Visitor" please see www.healthvisitors.com