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Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who have additional training qualifications in community public health nursing. Health visiting is a universal service, offered to all pregnant women, and children between the ages of 0-5 years.
Health Visitors provide the latest advice and information on public health to promote healthy lifestyles, relationships and safe parenting. We promote early identification and intervention, addressing concerns promptly with appropriate guidance and support.
We work in teams based throughout Sandwell. Our teams include health visitors, nurses, nursery nurses, administration, specialised staff, supervision leads, practice educators and team leaders. Our wider team work across Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and Sandwell Council.
Additionally, we offer a dedicated duty health visitor service available by phone. This service ensures that families can easily access professional health and wellbeing advice when they need it most. Our duty health visitors are trained to provide guidance on a wide range of topics, from feeding and sleep concerns to general child health and development questions.
Our focus is to support new parents to be sensitive and responsive in their caregiving, creating a loving environment for their child’s wellbeing. Child development is important especially speech, language, and communication skills and good early childhood experiences provide the building blocks for the rest of your child’s life.
Our teams will offer support, guidance and safeguarding advice through difficult circumstances such as domestic abuse, bereavement, and safety within the home and environment.
Mental health for parents is very important, so we check in on how everyone is feeling and provide the correct support for you if required.
It is not unusual for us to have student nurses/midwives or student health visitors working with us. However your health visitor will discuss this with you before your visit.
We encourage parents and family members to share their experiences in discussions about pregnancy and birth during appointments.
Health visiting teams provide four levels of service:
- Community – services provided in the local community.
- Universal – contact at key stages offered to all families.
- Targeted – support when you need it.
- Specialist– collaborating with other providers to support with additional and complex health and wellbeing needs.
You will see a member of the health visiting team five times:
These are:
- Antenatal contact – 28 to 32 weeks pregnant
- Postnatal visit between 10-14 days of birth
- Six to eight weeks after delivery
- Nine to 12 months
- Two to two-and-a-half-year-old
Antenatal - 28 to 32 weeks pregnant
Before you baby is born, you will be visited at home by a health visitor. This is your chance to get to know who your health visitor is and how we can support you.
We will discuss preparing for birth and discuss any worries you may have about becoming a parent.
We will provide information about vaccinations and vitamins to keep you and your baby healthy.
We will also support you with feeding your baby. We encourage breastfeeding but also help with formula feeding and ways to nurture your bond with your baby.
We also promote safe sleep for babies to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and talk about keeping your home and cars safe. This will also help to guide your purchases for your baby.
We will also have a conversation with you about ICON, which is about helping people who care for babies to cope with crying.
We will also check in with you about your mental health and how you are feeling.
New birth contact – 10-14 days old
We will visit you again at home after your baby is born.
We will complete and document in the visit in your child’s red book, which is your child’s personal health record.
We will talk to you about your labour and birth and check in with how your mental health and how you are coping with a new baby.
We will support you with baby feeding. We encourage breastfeeding but also help with formula feeding.
We will support you with your baby crying and have a conversation with you about ICON.
We will talk to you about the development of your baby and check your baby’s weight if you have any concerns.
We will talk to you about safe sleep, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and also talk you about your baby’s safety at home.
Six-eight weeks old
The 6-8 week visit will take place at home or in clinic.
We will take a full set of measurements for your baby and complete milestone checks to ensure they are growing and developing as expected.
We will discuss responsive parenting with you, to support you in creating a loving environment for your child.
Mental health for parents is very important and we will focus on how everyone is feeling, low you are finding parenthood and provide the correct support for you.
We will also discuss weaning your baby and discuss baby-led weaning when your child developmentally ready.
We will talk about the immunisations and the benefits of them for your child.
We will also help you find local classes and activities to attend to support your child’s health and wellbeing.
One year contact – Nine-12 months old
Just before your child turns one, we will invite you and your child to attend a development check. This appointment will take place in a community setting.
Please bring your child’s red book with you to the appointment and complete any paperwork required.
We understand that all children are individuals and can develop and grow differently. This development check focuses on important milestones in development for your child, and it’s a way we can identify any learning, physical or social needs for your child at an early stage and give your child the best support possible. We will take a full set of measurements to ensure they are growing and developing well.
We will support your child’s health and wellbeing by providing information on vaccinations, diet and physical activities, sleep and bedtime routine, feeding, dental care and practical advice on car and home safety.
Mental health for parents is very important, so we check in on how everyone is feeling and provide the correct support.
We will talk about your child’s social and emotional needs and talk about what to expect as they begin to learn more about the people and world around them and experience different emotions.
We will also discuss nursery provisions and local area groups and the importance of friendships and community for you and your child’s positive wellbeing and mental health
We will discuss how your child develops and soaks up the world around them. We encourage a calm and safe environment that will give your child plenty of opportunities to develop. This includes talking to your child, reading, exploring and positive play experiences. We encourage real world learning, experiences and interactions and will discuss screen time limits and safety and how it has an impact on physical and mental development and overall wellbeing.
Two Year contact - Two to two-and-a-half-year-old
Between the ages of two and two and a half, you and your child will be invited to by the health visiting service to attend a development check. This appointment will take place in a community setting.
Please bring your child’s red book with you to the appointment and complete any paperwork required.
We will check your child’s weight and height and ensure they are growing and developing well.
We will talk about your child’s social and emotional needs as they begin to learn more about the people and world around them and experience different emotions.
We will support your child’s health and wellbeing by providing information on toilet training, sleep and bedtime routine, dental care and practical advice on home and outdoor safety.
We will also discuss diet and physical activities when your child is at this age, including encouraging a varied, healthy diet and plenty of physical activities such as outdoor play.
Mental health for parents is very important, so we check in on how everyone is feeling and provide the correct support.
Special educational needs and disabilities
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may require additional support to reach their full potential. Children with special educational needs and disabilities are unique and individual and we strive to give all children the best start based on individual needs.
Health visitors support children and families by providing our routine developments to pick up on any additional needs as soon as we can. If we feel your child requires additional support, they will be allocated a health visitor and receive an individual plan of care. This may include some additional supportive interventions, assessments and referrals to services so you and your child can get the support needed to grow, learn and thrive.
Our teams
We have Seven Health Visiting Teams all covering different areas:
Smethwick Team – Abbey, Smethwick, Soho and Victoria.
Oldbury Team – Oldbuy, Greets Green, Lyng and St Pauls.
Whiteheath Team – Tividale, Langley, Bristnall and Old Warley.
Tipton Team – Tipton Green, Great Bridge and Princes End
Yew Tree Team – Newton, Charlemont with Grove, Great Barr with Yew Tree and West Bromwich Central.
Wednesbury Team – Hateley Heath, Wednesbury South, Wednesbury North, and Friar Park.
Mace Street Team – Cradley Heath, Old Hill, Blackheath, and Rowley.
We also have specialist health visiting teams:
Practice educators: This team supports staff development by providing training, mentoring, and guidance to ensure high-quality healthcare delivery for the service.
Best Start team: Focuses on early intervention working with families to give children the best possible start in life through health and development support.
Strengthening Families Team: Provides specialised support to families, helping them build resilience and improve family relationships and outcomes.
Perinatal Mental Health Team: Offers dedicated support to mothers experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and after birth, ensuring both parent and baby wellbeing.
Infant Feeding Team: Provides expert guidance on breastfeeding and infant nutrition, supporting parents to make informed feeding choices.
Vulnerable Families Team: Works intensively with families, providing additional support to protect children’s health and wellbeing
Our clinics
Our universal services include Well Child Clinics conveniently located throughout Sandwell. At these clinics, you can speak directly with experienced health visitors. We provide expert support and guidance on child development, parenting concerns, and family health matters. Our qualified health visitors can also assess and prescribe medications for minor ailments.
We run our clinics across Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust every day of the week.
Clinics are closed on bank holidays, and some opening time differences will occur in the school holidays.
Please see our Facebook page for the latest information.
Clinic Timetable
| Clinic | Date/Time | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Faces Children’s Centre, Windsor Road, Rowley Regis, B65 9HU | Mondays: 9.30am – 11.30am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Rowley Regis Family Hub, Dudley Road, Rowley Regid, B65 8JY | (During school holidays) Monday: 9.30am-11.30am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Tipton Family Hub, 24 Ridgeacre Road, Tipton, DY4 0UB | Tuesdays: 9.30am – 11.45am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| The Lyng Centre, Frank Fisher Way, West Bromwich, B70 7AW | Wednesdays: 9.30 – 11.00am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Wednesbury Family Hub, Priory Family Centre, Dorsett Road, Wednesbury, WS10 0JG | Thursdays: 9.30 – 11.00am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Smethwick Family Hub, Corbett Street, Smethwick, B66 3PX | Thursdays: 1pm – 3.30pm | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Hillside Community Centre, Connor Road, West Bromwich, B71 3DJ | Every second Friday of the month, 9.30am – 12pm | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Oldbury Health Centre, Albert Street, Oldbury, B69 4DE | Fridays: 10 – 11.30am | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
| Ferndale Primary School, Eastwood Road Entrance, Ferndale Avenue, Great Barr. B43 5QF | Every fourth Friday of the month, 9.30am - 12pm. | Appointment only by calling 0121 612 5021 |
Contact Us
Call the team at: 0121 612 5021, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
Help and Support
Useful Websites and Organisations
About health visitors and our work
Start for Life
The place for trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Best Beginnings
Best Beginnings have worked with parents and healthcare professionals to create and develop Baby Buddy, a multi-award-winning parenting and pregnancy app.
ICON
ICON is all about helping people who care for babies to cope with crying.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is dedicated to saving lives and preventing serious injuries.
RoSPA – The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents – RoSPA
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found. Thankfully it is uncommon, but it does still happen. It’s important to be aware of the steps you can take to lower the risk.
For more information go to: lullabytrust.org.uk
Tommy's
From a campaign that began in a spare cupboard in St Thomas’ Hospital, Tommy’s is now the largest UK charity researching the causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Saving babies’ lives | Tommy’s | The pregnancy and baby charity
Family Hubs
Family Hubs will offer the right help, in the right place, at the right time by offering services and support for all families in Sandwell with children aged 0 to 19 (or 25 with SEND).
Tiny Happy People
Activity inspiration for all ages. Fun activities and things to do with your child to help with their communication skills.
Advice and support on financial matters
Healthy Sandwell
Healthy Sandwell offers support for all ages, families and individuals to get more active, eat better, and maintain a healthy weight for good. There is also support if you want to give up smoking or alcohol and they offer advice on a range of other health issues too. For further information please visit www.healthysandwell.co.uk or call 0121 569 5100 or 0800 011 4656.
First Steps Nutrition Trust
First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.
Sandwell SEND IASS
Welcome to Sandwell SEND IASS. offer impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Vaccinations
Find out about vaccinations for babies, children and adults, including why they’re important and how to get them.
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