The National Healthy Childhood Programme

New resources now available

The Family and Child Health Standardised Care Plans for Public Health Nursing Services are now available. This marks the completion of a collaborative project between the Institute of Community Health Nursing (ICHN), The Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) and the National Healthy Childhood Programme (NHCP), building on the work developed in 2016 by the Institute of Community Health Nursing Child and Family Health Interest Group. The 34 care plans are an optional resource that can be availed of by PHNs as required to enhance the quality of care and support evidence-based practice.

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
• Breastfeeding - reports - policies and guidelines - factsheets - websites
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health and Wellbeing

Publications and child health information

• Traveller child safety wallchart - HSE's National Healthy Childhood Programme with Pavee Point - March 2022
• The Family and Child Health Standardised Care Plans for Public Health Nursing Services - December 2021
• Breastfeeding - reports - policies and guidelines - factsheets - websites
• Guidance for Voluntary Breastfeeding Groups during the COVID-19 pandemic - September 2021
• Public Health Nursing Service Child Health Record User Guide and Data Definitions - July 2020
• The National Standards for Antenatal Education in Ireland - February 2020
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Child Health Assessment Manual for Registered Public Health Nurses - July 2022 (update to page 69 - Eyes)
• Criteria for a referral from PHN to CMD 2nd Tier Clinic - October 2021
• Referral form for a PHN referral to CMD 2nd Tier Clinic - October 2021
• Better for every child: The evaluation of the Nurture Programme: Infant Health and Wellbeing - Summary Report (pdf)  and  short video (Vimeo) - December 2019 
• 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 - October 2018
• Evidence Review of the Child Health Model, prepared by the Child Public Health Group, Strategy & Planning Division for The National Steering Group for Implementation of the Revised Child Health Model - October 2018 
• Child Safety Programme (CSP) Manual for health professionals on core child health contacts - 2018
• Child safety checklist for parents and guardians - 2018

Newsletters (twice-yearly)

• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 8: December 2020
• The National Healthy Childhood Programme Newsletter - Issue 7: December 2019
• 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

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

• mychild.ie - guide to pregnancy, baby and toddler health
• Child Safety
• Breastfeeding
• Newborn Screening
• Healthy eating for families
• Meningitis
• The Nurture Programme - Infant Health and Wellbeing
• GP Under-6 card
• Maternity and Infant scheme
• Immunisation