Health visitors seek to stop service cuts

The Community Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association is
fighting the Vale of Aylesbury Primary Care Trust’s proposals to
cut the health visiting service by 20 per cent so as to save
£200,000 a year.

The association is organising a petition to prevent the loss of up
to eight jobs. Health visitors are also canvassing the public for
support.

The move follows the primary care trust’s alleged failure to change
its position despite a demonstration by health visitors, mothers
and children when the trust board met last month.

The chair of the Buckinghamshire CPHVA, Dr Lesley Sapsford, said
health visitors were on the front line when it came to identifying
children in need.

He added that it seemed “incredible” that the PCT should
contemplate the cuts at a time when the government was looking to
strengthen children’s services.

A statement from the PCT confirmed that it was reviewing all of its
services “due to current financial challenges”.