Apr 14 - GHA To Hold Public Event On Child Health
The Gibraltar Health Authority will be holding a public event to promote general awareness of the numerous services provided by the Child Health department (based in the Primary Care Centre) for the care, welfare and healthy development of our children.
The GHA Public Health staff will join the Child Health department staff in promoting this work at a new awareness event to be held on Friday April 17th 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the atrium of the ICC Building.
The Child Health Department plays a vital role for both parents and children from the time a child is conceived right through infancy, childhood and adolescence.
For many parents and family members, the excitement and pleasure of the new baby is indescribable. The first few days with a new baby can be a very emotional time and there is a lot for the new parent to learn and to do. But it does not stop there – parents often need help and support throughout the childhood years, advice on common illnesses and the reassurance that the child is growing well.
Thus, the range and scope of the Child Health team’s work is vast and includes:
• Parent-craft classes to help parents prepare for the baby’s birth and the period after
• Weighing of babies and monitoring their growth
• Immunisation
• Addressing any health concerns of the child
• Feeding and weaning advice
• Assessing developmental milestones
• Hearing screening
• Looking after maternal health and well-being
• Helping with behavioural problems
• Child protection
• Helping with the transition into adolescence and young adulthood
Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes commented, "We want the GHA to have an increasingly growing role in promoting health and care, and wellbeing. A health service needs to be proactive, and child services are an ideal showcase. I would encourage as many as possible to call at the stand and inform themselves of what we are doing. And of course, as ever, feedback is very welcome."
The event is open to all. The Health Promotion and Child Health teams will be on hand from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday 17th April to provide information about their services and to help address any concerns of parents and carers of infants and young children.
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