I am a public health nurse and my role as Child Health Training & Development Officer in Ireland is a deeply rewarding position. It focuses on enhancing child health services across counties Cork and Kerry. With a regional remit covering a population of approximately 740,000 people, my primary aim is to identify the specific training needs of public health nurses in child health, and organise initiatives that address those needs. The role is rooted in the ethos of progressive universalism which underpins the National Healthy Childhood Programme in Ireland: “help for all children and extra help for those who need it most.”
By aligning national initiatives with local service delivery, my work ensures that every child in Cork & Kerry receives the same high-quality, standardised care from our health service.
Key Initiatives and Projects
Since taking up this role in July 2022, I have been actively involved in several impactful projects that support both healthcare professionals. Below are some of the highlights:
1. Evidence-Based Resource Development
Infant Mental Health e-Books: Created for both healthcare staff and families, these e-books provide critical tools and guidance to support infant mental health.
Healthy Habits for Children e-Books: These resources encourage the adoption of healthy routines in children and are tailored for both professional and family use.
2. Participation in Regional Working Groups
I contribute to several working groups that directly impact child health service delivery.
These groups address areas such as:
Child Health Screening & Development ·
Infant Mental Health Initiatives
Healthy Weight for Children
Hearing and Vision Screening
Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Support
Promotion of the National Healthy Childhood Programme
These collaborative efforts allow us to address specific regional challenges while remaining aligned with national priorities.
Training and Webinars Organising and facilitating training programs is central to my role. These sessions ensure healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to provide exceptional care.
Examples of Recent Training Initiatives
Deaf Awareness Training: Enhancing understanding of the needs of children & adults with hearing impairments.
Baby Rhyme and Sign Workshops: Supporting early communication through interactive sessions.
Professional Updates: Collaborative sessions with community physiotherapists and dieticians to share updates on best practices.
National Breastfeeding Week: I played a pivotal role in organising training sessions and information events. This included the successful all day online training for staff, “The Role of the Multidisciplinary Team in Supporting Breastfeeding.”
Innovative Outreach: The “15 Minutes With” Series
To provide concise, accessible education, I developed the “15 Minutes With” series. These short interviews with subject matter experts cover key child health topics, including:
Good oral hygiene for infants and young children.
Managing fussy eating in children
Supporting a child’s transition to school.
Attachment & Positioning of the baby at the breast during a breastfeed
Stuttering in childhood
Selective mutism in childhood.
Young language development.
The importance of tummy time for infants.
Stop smoking advice for families.
Information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
This series delivers valuable insights in a time-efficient format for busy
healthcare professionals. Webinar links & presentations are emailed to staff and also stored in a shared folder for healthcare professionals.
Collaborations with Clinical Nurse Specialists & Paediatricians
I have had the privilege of working closely with clinical nurse specialists &
paediatricians to deliver webinars on a variety of complex topics including:
Diabetes in children
Epilepsy management in children.
Cystic fibrosis care.
Supporting a child with Down syndrome.
Breastfeeding a child with Down Syndrome
Addressing sleep difficulties in children with additional needs.
Child Developmental milestones in collaboration with a paediatrician.
Managing childhood anxiety surrounding medical procedures.
Caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.
Paediatric allergies
Temper tantrums in early childhood.
Oral health in infants & children
Childhood Enuresis
Future Directions
The work of a Child Health Training & Development Officer is dynamic and ever evolving. Looking ahead, I aim to continue fostering collaboration, developing innovative resources and empowering public health nurses and families to provide the best possible care for children.
By integrating national programs with local practices, I am committed to ensuring that every child in counties Cork and Kerry receives not only the help they need but also the promise of a healthy future. Through training, education and collaboration, we can achieve lasting improvements in child health services, supporting our youngest members of society to thrive.
Written by:
Helen Kelly ADPHN (HSE, South West)
Child Health Training/Development Officer, Ireland
For any queries or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact me at Helen.Kelly4@hse.ie
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