SHOCKING figures show new mums in Essex are not receiving the vital five health visits they need during their baby’s first year.

The NSPCC published data from Public Health England which shows Essex has the worst results in the east of England.

In Essex there were 17, 232 babies turning a year old in the first quarter of 2017/2018.

Of these, only 60.4 per cent of families were receiving the relevant health visits.

The NSPCC has launched Fight for a Fair Start calling on Government to ensure all new parents receive a minimum of five face-to-face visits from the same health visitor.

One in four families across England are missing out, increasing the risk of mental health issues with the parents going undetected.

There has been a 26 per cent fall in health visitors employed by the NHS operating nationwide between 2015 and 2019.

The Institute of Health Visiting recommends a maximum of one health visitor to every 250 children to ensure a safe service is delivered.

In England all families should receive five home visits from qualified health professionals via the Healthy Child Programme.

NSPCC head of policy and public affairs, Almudena Lara, said: “Health visitors are uniquely well-placed to recognise early signs and symptoms of mental health difficulties, but with a decline in staff numbers and rising family caseloads they are working under significant pressure.

“It’s vital all families receive a minimum of five face-to-face visits undertaken by a consistent health visitor to ensure any mental health problems they might be experiencing are picked up as early as possible so they can be signposted for more specialist support.”

A spokesperson for Essex County Council, said:

“Achieving positive outcomes for new mothers and their babies is at the heart of the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service and an outcomes-based approach underpins the contract we hold with the provider. Unfortunately, these figures do not share the whole picture, nor provide any context as to how new mothers are supported in Essex.

“The wellbeing of all new mothers and their children is our priority and our approach, which is in line with national requirements, focuses on engaging with mothers in the right way for them, based on their circumstances and what they tell us they want from services.

“It is vital that all services provided are shaped around the individual needs of a parents and in addition to the five checks within the first 12 months following birth, we continue to explore new ways in which we can support families, always with a strong focus on outcomes. This means that there will be some mothers who require alternative support, including more regular contact in different forms, in addition to the traditional visits.  

“We recognise the importance of a person-centred approach when it comes to supporting new mothers, during what can be an overwhelming time, and are confident that the way help and support is provided in Essex is contributing to the best possible outcomes for them.”