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Babies at Risk: Thousands Miss Vital Health Visits
15 Aug
Summary
- Approximately 100 health visitors are on strike since February.
- The strike has resulted in 5,000 fewer health visitor appointments.
- A charity warns of increased risk to babies and children.
A prolonged health visitor strike has significantly reduced the number of appointments available for babies and children, raising concerns about their well-being. Approximately 100 health visitors at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board have been striking since February.
This industrial action stems from a dispute over job grading, with health visitors claiming they are losing up to £9,000 annually. The health board acknowledges a dramatic drop in home visits, stating that safety and service accessibility are its priorities during the strike.
A mental health charity for new mothers, Mothers Matter, has reported a substantial increase in demand for its services, with requests doubling or even tripling. Unite, the union representing the striking workers, asserts they are fighting for appropriate pay that reflects their skills and experience.
New mothers express support for the strike but worry about the impact on families who may lack crucial support. Without regular health visitor check-ins, concerns about conditions like postnatal depression or infant feeding issues could go unaddressed, potentially escalating into more significant health problems.
