Unite probes future of baby book for 700,000 families
1 August 2011
Unite is seeking clarification about the future of a Department
of Health (DH) book that about 700,000 families in England receive
annually with vital information for new born babies.
The Community Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association, a
professional section of Unite the union, has received reports from
members that the publication, Birth to Five is being discontinued
in some parts of England, even before the DH has completed its
review of the book’s future.
Unite professional officer, Dave Munday, said: ”I have written
twice to the DH, as I am already getting reports back that even
before this unspecified review is completed, some areas are no
longer providing the resource which is promised by the DH to all
families in England.
”The book is extremely popular and a trusted authority on all
aspects of early years. By providing in-depth support, useful
contact information and advice on rights and benefits, the book is
an excellent addition to the support provided by the health
visiting team. The book’s content has been updated to reflect new
policies, changing social trends and advice and guidance.
”As a new parent myself, my partner and I know how useful this
book is. It can be accessed online, but not every family has web
access and these days they could go down to their local library for
the internet only to find that it has been closed down because of
the cuts.
”If your child has a problem at 2.00am in the morning, a book is
a much easier reference tool, than scrolling though the internet –
and as 20 per cent of the population don’t have access to the
internet, this raises equality issues.
”Also if families just Google online for weaning they are more
likely to get a result from a private website than a DH link.
”We want the DH to commit to the continued availability of such
an important resource for parents which saves money as it will
reduce the anxiety of families and ensure they get gold standard
evidence based information on stressful issues like weaning, sleep
and development. Hopefully, Birth to Five won’t cease as a
money-saving measure, as this would be very short-sighted.”
The Office for National Statistics reported that there were
723.000 live births in England and Wales in 2010.
ENDS
Notes to news editors:
For further information please contact Dave Munday on 07918 630
700 and/or Unite communications officer Shaun Noble on 07768
693940
