Northern Grampians Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services have recently been supporting a record number of families due to new babies being born in our community.
During the COVID-19 period, from 1 March to 27 May, the Northern Grampians MCH team supported the parents of 31new babies.
So far this year, MCH Services has administered 182 influenza vaccines through the children's immunisation service. To put that in perspective, in 2019 the immunisation nurses provided influenza vaccines to approximately 30 children.
MCH Services have robust processes and measures in place to help combat the spread of Coronavirus and keep nurses, parents/carers, and babies safe.
The Northern Grampians Shire MCH team have also adapted to enable greater online and phone communication between nurses and families to keep new families connected.
Groups, including new parents' groups, are utilising video link platforms to retain the sense of connectedness and community spirit the maternal and child health service prides itself on.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, said council's maternal and child health services are an incredibly important branch of the council's operations.
"Life during the pandemic has not been easy and for our residents who have expanded their family, it's been even tougher," he said.
"Our MCH team have done an incredible job keeping everyone safe, connected, and healthy and council could not be happier with the work of our nurses and MCH staff."
