Professional Development: A message from your PDCs
The National Healthy Childhood Programme is a universal child health service provided to all children and families in Ireland. Starting at the antenatal stage, this comprehensive programme continues throughout childhood, offering a range of services, including immunisations, developmental screening, and child health reviews. The goal of the programme is to ensure the optimal health and wellbeing of every child living in Ireland, while supporting parents and caregivers through each stage of their child’s development.
The full programme can be accessed at: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/child-health-and-wellbeing/national-healthy-childhood-programmenew.html.
National and international research repeatedly shows that what happens to a child during pregnancy and in the first three years of life will influence lifetime health and wellbeing. The National Healthy Childhood Programme is grounded in the model of progressive universalism. This approach ensures support is available to all families, while providing additional, targeted assistance to those who need it most. While the majority of parents may only require universal-level support, some may benefit from more focused or specialised interventions.
Central to this model is the importance of adopting a partnership approach when working with parents and families. By fostering resilience and promoting effective outcomes, healthcare professionals can create meaningful connections through respect, empathy, humility, and active listening. These qualities, combined with skills such as exploring concerns, supporting change, and encouraging parents, empower families to address challenges and thrive.
This article serves as a resource guide for nurses working in general practice, emphasising the importance of e-learning modules, online resources, and educational tools available on HSELanD and other platforms. These resources are invaluable for enhancing clinical practice and supporting parents in making informed decisions about their child’s health.
While many general practice nurses (GPNs) come from midwifery or paediatric nursing backgrounds, there are many who do not, and this should not hold us back in practice. Instead, it should serve as a prompt to pursue further learning in these areas, as they are relevant and accessible to all nursing specialties within general practice. Expanding our knowledge in child and family health can equip us to make a significant difference in the lives of families, offering support and guidance that can have a profound and lasting impact on their wellbeing.
Expanding the scope: A shared responsibility
In the past, these programmes may have been seen primarily as the domain of public health nurses. However, it is essential to recognise that they are just as relevant and applicable for GPNs. As frontline healthcare providers, GPNs play a crucial role in delivering preventive care, supporting parents, and promoting child health.
By engaging with the National Healthy Childhood Programme and its associated resources, GPNs can enhance their practice, bridge the gap between public and primary healthcare, and contribute significantly to the overall wellbeing of children and families in their communities.
There are numerous opportunities for GPNs to expand their expertise in child health while engaging with parents and their children throughout the lifespan in general practice. It is well documented that there is a high level of trust in healthcare professionals within this care setting. This trust should drive us to ensure that the advice we provide is not only reliable, but also grounded in evidence, ensuring that the support we offer to families is both accurate and effective.
By focusing on continuous learning and gaining evidence-based knowledge in key areas, GPNs can enhance their ability to support parents during the challenging transition to parenthood and right throughout parenthood. This transition to parenthood is a critical and transformative period, and having the confidence and expertise to provide accurate and practical guidance can make a significant difference in the quality of care delivered.
The opportunities to engage and make a positive impact are countless, and highlight the importance of further education in areas like immunisations, infant feeding/breastfeeding, nutrition, infant mental health, working in partnership with parents, growth monitoring in children, and child safety.
Adopting a partnership approach when working with parents and families is essential, and building this partnership requires respect, empathy, humility, and authenticity. Effective collaboration also relies on key skills such as active listening, exploring concerns with curiosity, offering encouragement, supporting change, and guiding parents gently as they navigate challenges.
Motivational interviewing is an effective communication technique that can support better outcomes when working with parents and families. This approach encourages collaboration and empowers individuals to make positive changes.
Key elements of motivational interviewing include the use of open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarising to build understanding and trust. For a more detailed exploration of this technique, please go to ‘Motivational Interviewing – OARS Skills’ at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KNIPGV7Xyg.
Access to e-learning modules on HSELanD
1. To access HSELanD:
a) It would be recommended to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when accessing HSElanD, as the use of other internet applications can result in slower loading.
b) Click on this URL to access:
www.hseland.ie/dash/Account/Login.
c) Put in your username.
d) Put in your password.
e) Click on ‘login’.
2. Click on ‘Course Catalgues’.
3. Select ‘Clinical Skills’.
4. Select the ‘National Healthy Childhood Training Programme’.
5. Prior to enrolling in any of the National Healthy Childhood Training Programmes, you must complete the introduction module. This short video provides an overview of the National Healthy Childhood Programme.
6. Following completion of the introduction, you can select the programme.
GPNs can access a suite of e-learning modules on HSELanD under the National Healthy Childhood Programme. These are the child health modules that I see as fundamental for GPNs, as the modules provide evidence-based guidance on a variety of topics relevant to general practice. These modules are particularly useful for supporting GPNs during key consultations such as the two-week check, six-week check, and child immunisations, and are shown in Table 1.
Parent resources from MyChild.ie
The MyChild.ie website is a valuable resource for both healthcare professionals and parents. It offers comprehensive guides that cover a child’s developmental journey. These resources can be shared with parents during consultations to empower them with reliable information and support, and include:
1. The Pregnancy Book – A guide for expectant parents, covering prenatal care and preparing for birth.
2. Your Child: Birth to Two Years – Guidance on newborn care, feeding, and developmental milestones.
3. Your Child: Two to Five Years – Practical advice on preschool development, nutrition, and social skills.
4. MyChild playlist: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsQK32cdMW_zTGCqGM9FhUV1Ho3Vz11tl.
Breastfeeding resources
Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of early childhood health. I recently hosted a breastfeeding webinar aimed at expectant parents and antenatal mothers, providing practical advice and strategies to support successful breastfeeding. The webinar is available at the following recording link: https://hse.webex.com/hse/ldr.php?RCID=47383a6a40c33da8041f6ec109b36539.
Password: GqxzZ9VB.
HSE breastfeeding resources are available for nurses to access and share with parents. These resources offer guidance on:
- Latching techniques and positioning.
- Common breastfeeding challenges and solutions.
- The importance of breastfeeding for infant health and maternal wellbeing.
To access, go to: www2.hse.ie/services/ask-our-breastfeeding-expert.
Breastfeeding repository for healthcare professionals: This e-booklet contains links to evidence-based resources and tools that will support healthcare professionals to help families achieve their breastfeeding goals.
There are over 215 groups/support services listed on the site. This HSE site provides trusted impartial information on infant feeding and has many publications for parents. See the ‘ask our expert’ popular online breastfeeding support service for live chat function and email facility. See www2.hse.ie/services/breastfeeding-support-search to find breastfeeding supports in your local area.
HSE ‘ask our breastfeeding expert’ support service has a live chat facility with a lactation consultant from 10am-3pm on Monday to Friday, which is available on mychild.ie.
You can also email in your question and you will receive a response from the lactation consultant within 24 hours.
Voluntary breastfeeding groups can be accessed at:
For additional information, the Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland website has a list of public and private lactations consultants: www.alcireland.ie.
The Pavee Mothers Breastfeeding Information Book for Travellers is also available online.
Breastfeeding breaks
In Ireland, by law, mothers are entitled to breastfeeding breaks at work up until the child’s second birthday. They can take up to one hour (with pay) during an eight-hour working day. This time may be taken as one 60-minute break. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your manager for more information relating to this policy and how you might avail of it. More information is available at: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/leave/breastfeeding-breaks.
These breastfeeding breaks are in addition to normal rest breaks. Employers may deduct pay for the time spent on breastfeeding breaks. Part-time workers are also entitled to breastfeeding breaks, calculated on a pro-rata basis in alignment with their working hours.
Childhood obesity resources
Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and GPNs play a key role in educating parents on maintaining a healthy weight for their children. The Healthy Weight Guide for Parents and Caregivers offers practical tips on:
- Encouraging balanced nutritionand portion control.
- Limiting sugary snacks and beverages.
- Promoting regular physical activity.
This guidance document serves as a valuable tool in assisting healthcare professionals with the language needed to address the sensitive topic of childhood obesity. It acknowledges the challenges that can arise when discussing weight and healthy eating with parents, providing clear and practical guidance on how to approach these conversations in a positive and collaborative manner.
By offering strategies to initiate dialogue and maintain a supportive tone, the document helps to ensure that these discussions are constructive, respectful, and focused on promoting the child’s overall wellbeing.
- A guide for parents and caregivers of children is available at: www.healthpromotion.ie/media/documents/HAL01654_HSE-A5-Talking_to_Your_Child-booklet_2024.pdf.
- Childhood obesity education and resources for healthcare professionals is available at: www.childhoodobesity.ie/resources/health-professional-practice.
Screen time
Additionally, managing screen time is a critical factor in preventing obesity. Children today spend significantly more time on screens, leading to sedentary lifestyles. Resources on screen time management are available to help parents establish healthy habits for their children at: www2.hse.ie/babies-children/play/screen-time/
Healthy eating and weaning
Questions about weaning and healthy eating are common during consultations. The Health Promotion and Food Safety websites offer excellent resources on:
- Introducing solid foods and age-appropriate weaning techniques.
- Building a balanced diet for young children
- Addressing food allergies and intolerances.
By sharing these resources, nurses can provide parents with confidence and clarity as they navigate their child’s nutritional needs. Healthy eating for one- to four-year-olds is available at: www.healthpromotion.ie/media/documents/HPM01378_healthy_eating_for_1_-_4_year_olds.pdf.
‘Healthy lunchboxes’ is available at: www.safefood.net/getmedia/2344453d-29ff-4784-91c8-49eda78345dc/104918-SafeFood-Lunchbox-A5-Web-v2.pdf.
Physical activity and play
Physical activity is essential for a child’s physical and mental development. Encouraging parents to engage their children in fun, age-appropriate games and activities can significantly improve their overall health. A variety of resources are available to help parents incorporate physical activity into daily routines, fostering healthy habits from an early age:
- Physical activity and fun games to play with your child: www.getirelandactive.ie.
- HSE guidance on physical activity for children: www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/physical-activity.
- An introduction to active play guidelines for zero to three-year-old children: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/heal/healpublications/active-play-booklet-for-children-aged-0-to-3.pdf.
Immunisations
I would recommend all GPNs start with the HSE Immunisation Foundation Programme and Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme (PCIP) on HseLanD. These modules will support your professional responsibility of advising parents and guardians on the importance of the vaccines within the PCIP and to deliver a safe and effective immunisation programme – administering the recommended vaccines to children in line with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee guidance.
My professional development coordinator colleagues and I coordinated and delivered four hugely successful National Immunisation Conferences in 2024, and offer a resource pack with guidance on immunisation in general practice.
You can find this resource pack on the Padlet platform, which can still be accessed on the following link: https://padlet.com/mariecantwell/national-immunisation-conference-series-q2plh0vkn6gpakv9.
This is the link for an immunisation resource pack for GPNs: https://publuu.com/flip-book/661942/1550562.
We are currently arranging a National Immunisation Conference for early 2025.
Infant mental health
While health promotion in childhood often focuses on physical aspects, it is equally important to address infant mental health. Research is unequivocal about the significance of caregiving experiences during the first three years of life, which are widely recognised as a critical period of opportunity. These early interactions play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s developmental trajectory, influencing their emotional, social, and cognitive outcomes.
By integrating infant mental health into health promotion strategies, we can provide a more holistic approach that supports not only physical growth, but also the foundational mental wellbeing necessary for lifelong development.
Infant mental health is the foundation of a child’s emotional and social development. Understanding and promoting healthy relationships between infants and their caregivers is critical for lifelong mental wellbeing.
On completion of the HseLanD educational modules, GPNs will have the necessary skills to observe parent/infant interactions, including:
- The importance of secure attachment and responsive caregiving;
- Why infant mental health is everyone’s business;
- How to practice with an infant mental health ‘lens’;
- Identify any gaps in interactions, which may indicate vulnerabilities in the parent-infant relationship;
- GPNs act as gatekeepers, encouraging further help and referrals when necessary;
- Strategies for promoting positive interactions and bonding.
I collaborated with other healthcare professionals on a recent webinar and publication of resources on infant mental health. The webinar recording is available at this link: https://hse.webex.com/hse/ldr.php?RCID=fb3d321f3b2accec19544eda1604b4be.
Password: tFfkDaH3
Other resources on infant mental health:
- An infant mental health resource pack is now also available as a flipbook on Publuu at: www.publuu.com/flip-book/661942/1637003.
- HSE video: Developing your relationship with your baby – infant mental health: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7cW_tvipe0.
Traveller community supports
In efforts to better support marginalised groups such as the Traveller community, key workers and care professionals have partnered with the HSE to create tailored resources.
These collaborative initiatives aim to address this group’s unique healthcare needs, focusing on cultural sensitivity and accessibility. By working closely with HSE staff and community leaders, these resources ensure that healthcare services are more inclusive, fostering trust, and improving overall wellbeing within the Traveller community.
- Child and infant health to support the Travelling community: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0B3HqWZbNk.
- Pregnancy resource for the traveller community: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsQK32cdMW_zbVNR77Rb72sQsc5PgwwXk.
Children First Act
All nurses are mandated persons under the Children’s First Act, which means they have significant legal obligations in relation to child protection.
To fulfil these responsibilities, nurses must complete the HSE online training on Introduction to Children First. Mandated persons have two main
legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015:
- To report harm of children, above a defined threshold, to Tusla Child and Family Agency.
- To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been
the subject of a mandated report.
The aim of this programme is to raise awareness and increase knowledge of child abuse and child welfare issues, and to clarify personal, legal, and organisational roles and responsibilities in recognising, responding to, and reporting child protection and welfare concerns, as set out in Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 and the Children First Act 2015.
The HSE Children First National Office provides resources to help you protect children from harm or abuse. These resources set out:
- How to recognise, report, and respond to child protection concerns.
- What you must do to keep children safe.
- The responsibilities of mandated people and organisations.
Mandatory Children First training is also available on HSeLanD. It must be completed every three years.
Making every contact count
Every interaction with a child and their family is an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing. By leveraging the resources and tools outlined in this article, GPNs can enhance their practice and provide comprehensive, holistic care during each consultation.
From antenatal visits to childhood immunisations and general consultations, these resources will support nurses in delivering evidence-based advice, empowering parents, and ultimately improving health outcomes for children.
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