Digital touch to MCH check ups

Maternal and Child Health services are operating at full capacity although the delivery may look a little different.

The nurses have moved consultation to telephone or digital software such as Microsoft Teams or FaceTime.

Team Leader Maternal and Child Health Nicole Byrne said the services of providing support, advice and information from birth to school age to families in Wodonga.

However, if you have serious concerns about your baby's growth or development, a brief 15-minute face-to-face consultation can be organised.

"In all instances, the safety of the family and our staff is our highest priority," she said.

"We screen all families prior to any face to face contact and provide clear instructions on how we will observe social distancing and hygiene measures."

The New Parents Group is operating via Microsoft Teams with plans to arrange face-to-face group meetings once restrictions have been lifted.

Our Baby Hub breastfeeding support continues via telephone/electronic means, again with a brief face to face assistance in necessary cases.

While our Supported Playgroup and Access to Early Learning programs are not able to provide face to face contact with families, the program workers are busy providing support and educational assistance to families via electronic means.

"Families are getting regular links to activities, stories etc that they can use to engage with their children at home," she said.

"They are also putting together regular learning packs to send to families with play activities and ideas.

"The feedback from families about these packs has been very positive."

As always the 24hr MCH Line (13 22 29) continues to operate as normal.

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