Children and young people will soon have greater access to health visitors thanks to a new combined service.

From July 1, youngsters and parents in Harrow will benefit from a new resource run by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, for Harrow Council and Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group.

The service, which will deliver more nursing sessions in all schools and ensure reception-age children have eye checks and support to maintain healthier teeth and weight, will be given at no extra cost. 

It will specifically benefit children under five-years all the way up to 19. 
The programme also means that breastfeeding peer support groups will continue to be sustained.

Dr Amol Kelshiker, chairman of Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Improving children’s health and wellbeing is a key priority for NHS Harrow CCG. 

“With more access to health visitors and school nursing sessions, children in our borough will have the necessary support so that health problems can be detected early and they can get the right health advice when needed.” 

Carole Furlong, director of Public Health said parents would continue to see the same health visitor with the new scheme, adding her organisation was looking forward to working with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

Maria O’Brien, director of Community Services at CNWl, said: “I’m so pleased Harrow Council has chosen us for this service. 

“We already provide the looked-after children’s services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health services in Harrow so there’s an opportunity for more joined-up working.”