Celebrating 100 years of Maternal Child Health Support Services
Published on 27 June 2017
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES
Media Release
Gannawarra Shire Council is celebrating the Victorian centenary of Maternal Child Health services on its social media platforms and at the Kerang library during this week.
Director Community Wellbeing Mandy Hutchinson said this momentous occasion serves to acknowledge the support and important role that Maternal Child Health Nurses undertake within the community to give every child the best start in life.
“Council is proud to be able to provide this service to our young families and ensure that their health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance at this very special time.”
“Parenting, child health and development, feeding and nutrition, emotional wellbeing, sleep and settling difficulties, injury prevention, immunisation and family planning are just some of the support services provided by Maternal and Child Health nurses.”
“The nurses also work closely with other health and support services and are able to refer families for specialist assistance and follow-up concerns where needed.”
Maternal and Child Health Nurse Sue Donnelly recently retired from Gannawarra Shire Council after a nursing career spanning 52 years.
Mrs Donnelly said over the past 100 years the Maternal Child Health role has changed and adapted to meet the needs of modern families.
“When I first had my own children in 1969 we visited the Infant Welfare Nurse and were told what to do,” said Mrs Donnelly.
“I like to think that the modern Maternal Child Health nurse offers knowledge, recommends options and empowers parents to make choices about their child’s care.”
Throughout the week, residents and visitors to the Kerang library can view a display showcasing some of the Maternal Child Health equipment and how it has changed over the years.
To celebrate this centenary milestone and to honour the work of past and present Maternal and Child Health nurses, Council will hold a special picnic in the park event in October to coincide with Children’s Week.
Commencing in 1917 there are now 1,100 Maternal and Child Health Nurses operating out of 662 centres across the state.
The MCH service is a free service for all Victorian children and their families, from birth to school age. This service is delivered by councils through a shared funding model between state and local government.
For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gsc.vic.gov.au
…ENDS…
Date: 27 June 2017
Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627