New specialist health visitor for Barnsley
The health visiting service has welcomed a new specialist health visitor for children with disabilities and complex needs in the Barnsley area.
John Rooke has joined the team for a year to support the national Healthy Child programme.
Based at Apollo Court Medical Centre, John works across the Barnsley area with families who have children with complex health needs. John visits families and talks through any concerns they might have and helps signpost them to the right services.
Families can be referred to a health visitor via a GP or through a family health visitor – children can also be referred through nursery nurses.
As part of the role, John will also work with a range of teams on different projects around disability and individual needs. John hopes to expand the role to work with pre-birth services, midwives and other health colleagues.
John said: “All the parents and carers who I have come into contact with have reported just how helpful and useful the service is. I’m really enjoying visiting members of the community and making a difference in the lives.”
“The advice the health visiting service given to families is vital to make sure they access the services they really need – it’s information that without this role they would not normally know about.”
If you would to find out more information about the specialist health visitor role, or would like to get in touch with John you can contact him via email at john.rooke@swyt.nhs.uk or you can call 01226 209880.
