Health Visiting Service Report: views on early years support

In June 2019, Healthwatch Somerset published Views on Early Years Support, exploring experiences of the Health Visiting Service in Somerset. The report was based on a county-wide survey that ran between February and April 2019, supported by 23 engagement events, outreach through community groups and online promotion. A total of 445 parents and carers responded.

Two-thirds of respondents were satisfied with the support they received, and many valued breastfeeding support, home visits and advice about child development. However, people also reported concerns about missed or delayed contacts, difficulties communicating with the service, lack of continuity of care and reduced support after a child's first birthday. Respondents wanted more accessible drop-in groups, more regular contact, greater consistency between health visitors and stronger links with GP practices. The report made recommendations around communication, continuity of care, feeding support and access to local groups. Somerset County Council welcomed the findings and committed to using them to inform future service development.