In total, 36 new public health nurses will be added to support the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program across the province. Those nurses will provide help to mothers who want to help their babies get a healthy start in life, said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci.
“This is good news for our community,” said Bartolucci. “We know that the earlier we can find those families who need extra help, the more effective these services can be.”
Expectant and new mothers who need extra help are eligible for home visits from a public health nurse who can provide advice and counselling.
Every new mother in Ontario will also receive information about infant and child development, community resources and contacts for local services.
“Increasing our capacity to identify and support more mothers and their babies who might be vulnerable and to help them quickly access local services will directly benefit the children’s growth and development,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health, Sudbury and District Health Unit. “Our nurses are very passionate about their work and the families with whom they work.”
“The Healthy Babies Healthy Children program has a proven track record of supporting families across the province,” said Bartolucci. “This new nursing position will help ensure the health and well-being of new mothers and their children while lessening the need for social supports down the line.”
More than 132,000 children are born each year in Ontario, and up to 35 per cent of Ontario families are considered to have risks that could affect their child’s development.
