NCT Watch

Mary Scanlon MSP this week asked the Scottish Executive what health checks are given to children from birth to five years of age.

Shona Robinson responded that the routine health checks which children from birth to five years of age receive is set out in the Health for All Children (Hall 4) Guidance.

The guidance recommends that all children should have contact with health professionals within the first 24 hours for a full physical health check; within the first 10 days of life for a blood spot test for particular illnesses and a general check to ensure there is no cause for concern; within the first 28 days of life for a hearing test; at six to eight weeks for a full physical health and development check, including weight; at two, three and four months for immunisation and to check weight; at 12 months for immunisation; at 13 months for immunisation and to check weight; between the ages of three to five years for immunisation and to check weight; between four and five years for an eye sight test, usually at pre-school, and between the ages of four to six, usually in school year primary 1, for a full physical health check including height, weight and dental check.

Mary Bradley MLA, asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its delivery plan to eradicate child poverty.

In response the Rt Hon Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness said that it was totally unacceptable that around 100,000 children live in poverty in Northern Ireland and that the Executive is determined to tackle this issue as a priority. They highlighted that their Programme for Government commits specifically to:

They also stated that there are a number of policies which currently aim to lift children out of poverty. These include tax and benefit policies set by the UK Government, and Programmes such as Early Years, New Deal and Sure Start which are the responsibility of Northern Ireland Departments, but that more needs to be done if the targets are to be achieved. Consequently, the Executive will soon adopt its own Strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion based on objective need. In so doing it will take account of the findings and recommendations coming out of the current enquiry by the OFMDFM Committee. The findings from their own departmental work on tackling disadvantage and barriers experienced by lone parents and people with disabilities, which is nearing completion, will also be taken into account.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) have commented on David Cameron’s statement this week that ‘we can end poverty - I mean it!’  Cameron was speaking at the Conservative Party event to launch the report ‘Making British Poverty History’.

Kate Green, Chief Executive at CPAG says that while they welcome the attention the Conservatives are giving child poverty, “unlike all the other parties, he still won’t make this a promise. Ending child poverty is a marathon not a sprint, but like a marathon, it is achievable. You don’t ask for support to run a marathon by saying you ‘aspire’ to jog for a bit, you have a clear target to run 26 miles. As the only mainstream British party not to have a firm commitment to eradicate child poverty in a generation, it’s time for Cameron to prove he has faith in his party’s proposals and turn the ‘aspiration’ to end child poverty into a promise.’

The Health Select Committee heard that children’s centres needed to integrate with communities if they were to reach families in deprived areas. When asked if there was a model of an ideal early years programme that could reduce health inequalities, Edward Melhuish, Executive Director of National Evaluation of Sure Start, said there was evidence from Sure Start that if they worked to integrate themselves with local health services they would be more effective. He said this helped Sure Start reach families easily so that they could get the services they needed. He went on to say that the use of health visitors and midwives should be expanded and their training improved. He also stated that more cross-agency training was needed so that the different agencies involved could improve communications

Mr Melhuish noted that one example of a reduction in health inequalities the evaluation of Sure Start had shown was an increase in the uptake of immunisation in children. He did however concede that the Sure Start data used in the report had been collected after the control data and therefore may not be completely accurate. He emphasized that for a successful Sure Start programme, it should be well-embedded in the community, have strong leadership with a stable and well-trained staff, a good relationship with local health services and also the local authority.

New Deal for Communities was highlighted as successfully integrating health services and primary care and putting them under one roof so they were more accessible for communities – they also worked with Sure Start on community development issues.

The Health Select Committee this week heard evidence as part of it inquiry into health inequalities. Opening the meeting the Kevin Barron MP (Chair) asked the witnesses what three evidence-based interventions they would recommend introducing to reduce health inequalities.

Leading the responses Professor Mike Kelly, Public Health Excellence Centre Director, at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said he would recommend that women take 400 grams of folic acid daily when they were trying to conceive and during the first four months of pregnancy. His second recommendation was that breastfeeding should be promoted as the best start for children’s health and that mothers should breastfeed for longer.

The early years programmes was also highlighted as having an important impact on tackling health inequalities but that investment in the early years of a child’s life and also their mothers needed to be re-emphasised.

It was also pointed out that a multi-pronged approach was probably needed to address public health issues. Improved counselling and support for those giving up smoking in deprived areas could help reduce inequalities and education, income and employment were all pointed out as having a positive impact on inequalities. Professor Kelly noted that a small shift in resources in education and income distribution could have a big effect on health inequalities

Date: April 2008
NCT National Press Release

Breastfeed with pride says NCT

As National Breastfeeding Awareness Week approaches (11-17 May) the NCT is marking the Week by encouraging NCT branches nationwide to host events and activities in their local area.
Local branches will be calling on shops, cafes and leisure facilities to do everything they can to promote the fact that local breastfeeding mothers will be made welcome.

The charity wants to encourage more mothers to give breastfeeding a go and engage the support of their family and friends – this will enable mothers to feel confident about breastfeeding for as long as they want to and give their baby the healthiest possible start in life.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive of the NCT said;
“We are proud our branches are supporting National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Research shows that the benefits of breastfeeding start right from day one, so every day of breastfeeding is a reason to feel proud. This is especially important for the nine out of 10 women who stop breastfeeding before they want to. We want the families and friends of women who breastfeed to recognise the support they give can also make a real difference to a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and make a positive difference to babies’ health.”

Trained NCT breastfeeding counsellors are locally available seven days a week to answer questions and provide support around baby feeding. For further information call the NCT Breastfeeding Line on 0870 444 8708 Mon-Sun between 8am and 10pm.

In addition to the helpline, the NCT runs breastfeeding courses for parents who want to learn about baby feeding and related matters. A trained NCT breastfeeding counsellor helps parents and enables them to be in a better position to be able to breastfeed it they want to. Call NCT Enquiries for more details on 0870 444 8707.

The charity is also lending its support to the National Breastfeeding Conference for health professionals on 12th May. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk;

Ends

Notes to Editors:
· The NCT has books and booklets relating to breastfeeding which can be ordered from NCT Sales 0870 112 1120 or visit www.nctsales.co.uk Breastfeeding - A Good Start-Breastfeeding: how to express and store your milk. Breastfeeding for Beginners.
· The National Breastfeeding Conference takes place 12th May 2008 at Church House Conference Centre, London. The RCM is hosting the joint conference by the Department of Health, RCN, NCT, Communtiy Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association and others. The Conference will showcase recent national initiatives and has professional accreditation for health professionals. For more information visit www.breastfeeding2008.co.uk
· NCT is a proud member of the Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition. www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk. The Breastfeeding Manifesto outlines seven key objectives which we are campaigning to have implemented into UK policy and legislation. It will ensure that mothers are supported so that they are able to breastfeed. The Manifesto has a wide range of Coalition members from Royal Colleges to environmental organisations and highlights the wide benefits breastfeeding can have on society. For more information and to sign up as a supporter, please visit www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk

BUMPS, BABIES AND BOSSES

The NCT, the UK’s leading parenthood charity is launching a brand new ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ scheme to enable companies and organisations to demonstrate a positive approach to pregnancy.

As part of the scheme, the NCT has developed a range of ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs that employers can purchase to give to staff as part of their maternity benefits policy. For the first time ever, employers will now be able to provide expectant employees with information and support on pregnancy and birth.

Studies have shown that employers with the best maternity policies enjoy a return-to-work ratio of over 90 per cent¹,². Becoming a parent can also be stressful, so support from employers can make a real difference in ensuring that parents continue to contribute positively to the organisation.

The ‘Preparing for Parenthood’ packs contain a range of NCT services with three different formats and prices on offer including antenatal classes, full membership or an NCT Information pack with books, magazines, DVDs, leaflets and other essential information on birth and parenthood.

Companies can choose from three different options (minimum order of ten packs):-

· NCT Information pack with books, leaflets DVDs - cost £45
· NCT Information pack with a year’s NCT membership - cost £85
· NCT Information pack with NCT membership and NCT antenatal classes - cost £300

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive, NCT, said;

“We are extremely pleased to be launching our new Preparing for Parenthood scheme. Our NCT packages will enable employers to show they support their employees through a life-changing experience of becoming a parent. Positive attitudes to parenthood benefit employers and employees alike, through skills retention, improved morale and a more productive workplace.”

Pilots

The NCT charity has piloted the programme with companies Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Europe. Jaguar Land Rover was recently voted first in a survey of corporate maternity policies carried out by the Guardian newspaper. (July 2007)

Jaguar Land Rover is offering staff the NCT Information pack with NCT membership as part of its maternity policy.

Rob Lummis, Group Employees Relations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said; “The NCT Packs are an important element of our maternity policy and one example of the many family friendly policies we provide to our employers at Jaguar Land Rover. The packs provide our expectant employees with key information that is greatly valued by our parents-to-be.”

Ford Europe is offering staff the NCT Information pack as part of its maternity policy.

Jane Tottingham, Diversity Manager, Ford Europe, said; “The provision of NCT packs is an important element of our total maternity package for employees. The packs provide a single, easy to access source of key information for parents-to-be and are greatly valued by our employees.”

To discuss NCT Preparing for Parenthood packs, or to order a brochure on a range of services, please contact the NCT partnership team at commercial@nct.org.uk

ENDS

References
¹ International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
² EOC Discrimination in Pregnancy Report

Children’s Ministers Ed Balls and Beverley Hughes celebrated the news that Labour’s target for 2,500 Children’s Centres to be open by the start of this month had been exceeded.

Visiting a Sure Start Children’s Centre in Stockwell, south London they revealed that 2,906 Children’s Centres were opened across England by 31 March 2008 - beating the 2,500 target.

Sure Start Children’s Centres are a one-stop shop for families and children under five. They offer easy access to a range of services including early years learning, childcare, family health services, and advice and support for parents.  A recent independent evaluation report found that Sure Start was having a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Mr. David Amess asked the Secretary of State for Health, on childbirth, what the (a) terms of reference and (b) timetable of the national perinatal epidemiology unit’s programme of reviews are; and if he will make a statement. [198743]

Ann Keen, Minister of State, responded that the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit is conducting the programme of systematic reviews referred to in my previous answer in line with a research proposal that has been peer reviewed and agreed with the Department. The primary aim is to make best use of existing national and international research evidence to identify the key interventions that are most likely to contribute to meeting the 2010 infant mortality target and, in the longer term, to improving maternal and child health and a sustainable reduction in health inequalities. The reviews will also help identify evidence gaps where there is a need for new research.

The work runs until September 2009, and the research team will provide outputs on a staged basis during the life of the project. Review outputs will cover generic public health interventions as well as the major medical causes of infant mortality. The research team has appointed a multi-disciplinary advisory group to support the work.

The Scottish Affairs Committee has reported that MPs are to debate issues relating to child poverty in Scotland on May 1st 2008. The Committee published its report on Child Poverty in Scotland in February. In the report, it welcomed the progress made in reducing child poverty but called for the welfare system to be simplified so that support reaches those families most in need.

The Chairman, Mr Mohammad Sarwar MP, said at the time of report that the cycle of deprivation in Scotland needed to be broken and that urgent action must be taken. He also said: ‘I am pleased that this important issue will be debated by MPs in the Commons. It is vital that child poverty in Scotland remains high on the Westminster agenda and this is an opportunity for all MPs to have their say.’