§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to health authorities with regard to ensuring health visitor coverage in areas where local authorities fail to provide social work cover for all children on the at risk register.
§ Mr. BowisGovernment guidance requires each health authority to identify a senior nurse with a health visiting qualification to act as the co-ordinator of all aspects of child protection work in their district. Among their key activities is the setting up of an effective communication system with managers and practitioners in other disciplines and agencies, to ensure a regular update about work load, staffing, emergencies and individual cases.