What we do
The Public Health Nursing Service provides health visiting and school nursing services across Devon.
We deliver universal child and family health services, provide ongoing additional services for vulnerable children and families, and work to safeguard and protect children.
The team is made up of health visitors, school nurses, staff nurses and community health workers.
Health visitors and school nurses are qualified nurses or midwives with post-registration experience with additional experience and training and education in child health, health promotion, public health and education.
How we can help
When you first meet your health visitor or school nurse, you will be invited to complete an assessment of your family’s needs. This will help us to plan the level of service you need.
This will be one of the following:
- Community – the Public Health Nursing Service will provide information about local services for families and support you to access these.
- Universal – in addition to community assistance, all families are offered a range of health-enhancing activities through the Healthy Child Programme including advice and health reviews. Priorities include breastfeeding and the promotion of children’s emotional and physical health.
- Targeted – responding to any specific concern such as post-natal depression, domestic abuse, child behavioural difficulties. The Public Health Nurse Team can provide individual help appropriate to your circumstances.
- Specialist – for families who may have more complex issues. The Public Health Nurse Team will work with other agencies and organisations to provide additional more focused support.
Public Health Nursing Hubs
The Hubs are a single point of contact for families and professionals for all Public Health Nursing Services across a specified geographical area. They bring together clinicians and administrative processes for phone advice, scheduling appointments, and triaging referrals and information received.
| Locality | Areas covered | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern | East Devon, Cullompton and Tiverton |
St Michael’s, Orchard Way, Honiton, EX14 1HU |
| Exeter | Exeter and Crediton |
Room 267, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD |
| Northern | North Devon, Torridge and Okehampton |
Taw View, Civic Centre, North Walk, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE |
| Southern | Teignbridge, South Hams and Tavistock |
Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE |
Texting service
A texting service specifically for parents/carers is available. Text a Health Visitor on 07520 631 721 to get confidential information and advice