Derbyshire officials worry that cutting health check-ups may put children at risk
Residents and professionals have shared mixed feelings about these potential cuts. Some ideas, like changing how reviews are done, have no clear support. For instance, they’re considering using phone or video calls instead of just in-person visits for some check-ups. Others want to limit the three-and-a-half-year review to only those who really need it.
But there’s a lot of pushback against cutting the pre-school review for kids about to start school. A whopping 72% of people disagree with this plan. It’s not mandatory, but many believe it’s crucial for kids aged 3-4.
There’s also concern about using different professionals instead of health visitors for one-year reviews. About 70% of people are against this idea. Plus, a majority don’t like the idea of a targeted antenatal review for only some pregnant women, fearing it could leave others without support.
Cllr Dave Allen expressed worries about missing opportunities to help vulnerable kids. He pointed out that there have been high-profile cases where children were overlooked. He believes they can catch these issues locally instead of waiting for other agencies to step in.
Cllr Carol Hart mentioned that some kids are starting school without being potty trained. She stressed that families need the right services but acknowledged that budget pressures are huge. Some parents might not need as many check-ups, while others need more help.
During the consultation, people raised concerns about missing chances to safeguard children and identify issues like domestic abuse or developmental delays. Many noted that kids are less ready for school, and cutting support could make this worse.
A council report highlighted that many families in Derbyshire need extra support due to health or care needs. They want to ensure that any changes still prioritize help for the most vulnerable families.
