The role of the health visitor

Abstract

The role of the health visitor has evolved over time, but their work remains vital to ensuring the health and wellbeing of families with infants and pre-school children. Every child in the United Kingdom should have a health visitor from as early as the antenatal period and have several planned contacts during the first five years of their lives. It is therefore imperative that GPs have a sound understanding of the role and responsibilities of health visitors and how they can work together most effectively. This article will outline the origins of health visiting, the role of health visitors today, and provide an example of how a strong partnership between health visitors and GPs is essential in primary care.