The National Healthy Childhood Programme

Introduction                           Our work                       Publications and child health information

Introduction

Over 63,000 babies are born in the State every year and, as children (under 18 years) account for 25% of the Irish population, we have the youngest population in the EU.

The Health Service Executive, through the delivery of The National Healthy Childhood Programme, has a key role in supporting families so these babies can fully realise their potential into adulthood.

From birth to their 14^th birthday each child will have had at least 22 contacts with the health service as part of the Programme – that is 1.5 million opportunities to “Make Every Contact Count”

Making every contact count is important - investment in the early years of life, starting from conception, creates the best outcomes for children, providing the foundations for health over their lifetime.  Early intervention and prevention has a positive impact on children's health, social and educational development and offers the best chance of living a happy and fulfilled life.

Our Work

• Child health services in Ireland
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health and Wellbeing
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Team

Publications and child health information

• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Practice Manual for Public Health Nurses - coming soon
• Healthy Weight for Children (0-6 years) Framework: Areas for Action - Summary, Healthy Weight for Children Group - March 2019
• Healthy Weight for Children (0-6 years) Framework, Healthy Weight for Children Group - November 2018
• The newborn clinical examination handbook, The National Healthy Childhood Programme, November 2018
• Framework for the National Healthy Childhood Programme, HSE Health & Wellbeing Division and HSE Primary Care Division - 24th May 2017

Newsletters (twice-yearly)

• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 6: July 2019
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 5: December 2018
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 4: July 2018
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 3: December 2017
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 2: June 2017
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter – Issue 1: December 2016

Some of the child health information available on www.hse.ie

• mychild.ie - guide to pregnancy, baby and toddler health
• Child Safety
• Caring for your Baby
• Breastfeeding
• Newborn Screening
• Vitamin D
• Healthy Eating
• Meningitis
• Infant and Child Growth
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health & Wellbeing
• GP under-6 card
• Maternity and Infant scheme
• Immunisation