A Universal health visiting service was the Tories big announcement at their spring conference. The Department of Health's comprehensive Health Visitor's report 'Facing the Future' last summer talked about 'Progressive Universalism' - where those with the greatest need got the most help - which was the ethos of the Sure Start programme. That's fine, but what was tragic about the Government's response to this report was their shameless admission that whilst Health Visitor figures have dropped by 3% from 1997-2006, this was ok as 'children's services' ie children's centres had increased.
The whole aim of the Health Visitor is support for mother and baby in the home to build up the mother's confidence and independence, whereas the result of Children's Centres is state care for children and family dependence. In the deprived areas of south east London where I work, there is a permanent shortage of health visitors - up to 75% vacancy rates have been known. Yet money is pouring into the Centres which are perceived by many locals as free childcare, thus typifying the hand-out not hand-up mentality of the Left. 'Facing the Future' was an excellent report; the Government responded with warm words and sent Health Visitors away empty handed. The Conservative's announcement is to be welcomed!
