More than 60,000 Queensland mums have benefited from the extra support and advice provided through the Queensland Government’s $28.9 million Mums and Bubs initiative.
Premier Campbell Newman and Health Minister Lawrence Springborg joined Child Health Nurse Kelly Smith to visit Stafford mum Kareen Ghee and baby Antwaun and witness the home-visiting service in action.
Mr Newman said the Mums and Bubs initiative helped to ensure Queensland newborns got the best start in life and that mums – whether it’s their first child or fourth – felt supported.
“Parenting can be hard and sometimes you’re not sure if you’re doing the right thing, so that’s why we’ve provided this funding over four years to deliver a child health professional to your home to offer that advice and guidance,” Mr Newman said.
“This service is available across Queensland to all parents and newborns as part of our Government’s strong plan to revitalise front line services.”
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said there are more than 64,000 births across Queensland each year.
“Home visits give parents the opportunity to discuss a range of early parenting and child development issues such as feeding, sleeping, immunisation, and maternal health,” Mr Springborg said.
In the year to March 31 2014, there were 8,888 home visits under the Mums and Bubs initiative in the Metro North Hospital and Health Service area, and a total of more than 63,000 visits across the state.
Costing $28.9 million over four years, the Mums and Bubs initiative provides two home visits in the first month of a baby’s life.
“Extra home visits provide better screening services for all Queensland families,” Mr Springborg said.
“These are followed up with consultations at community centres at key developmental stages – at two, four, eight and 12 months of age.”
