Child and family health professional practice includes providing care for the mother, child, and family, working with pregnant women, delivering childbirth, assistance in caring for newborns and younger children (Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurses Australia, 2021). For over ten years, Australian nurses have been regulated by the Maternal & Child Health Primary Health Care Policy, developed as part of the NSW Families Support Package (NSW Health, 2021). This policy has a significant impact on determining the ways and methods of providing health care to the population.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure a uniform approach to the provision of primary services. Specifically, the policy regulates parental care and home care for mothers and children in New South Wales State (Maternal & Child Health Primary Health Care Policy, 2021). This policy has several requirements for care, including that district health services use a comprehensive assessment process consistent with the Safe Start model. The latter involves identifying risk and vulnerability factors through team discussion and healthcare planning.
The policy also requires implementing a continuity model of healthcare and ensuring communication between patients and services of midwifery and early childhood. The policy prescribes compulsory home visits – UHHV, as part of the SHHV sustainable development program. Patient home visits should take place within two weeks of the birth of the baby. Responsibility for this program rests with AHS, which reports to the NSW Department of Health.
References
Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurses Australia. (2021). Web.
Maternal & Child Health Primary Health Care Policy. (2021). Web.
NSW Health. (2021). Web.