LIVERPOOL City Council has launched a new approach to Public Health Nursing, offering stronger, more accessible support for families, from pregnancy through school years and into parenthood, helping to improve long-term outcomes for all.

Over the coming months, residents will see improvements in how the service is delivered. Plans include creating a single point of contact for advice and support, along with a new focus on delivering services directly within local communities.

Health Visiting and School Health teams will remain in place to support families across the City, but with a renewed focus on reaching those who need help the most. The updated approach will also provide more support for mental health and wellbeing.

The early years of a child’s life are crucial to their development, health, and future opportunities.

More than 1 in 3 children are not ready for school at the age of 5 which is why the new enhanced service will play such a vital role in supporting child development, guiding parents, and ensuring children and young people get the help they need to live healthy lives.

In 2024, Liverpool City Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and joining up family services by carrying out a formal open procurement process. This awarded a new contract for the delivery of public health services for children, young people, and families, including Health Visiting, the Family Nurse Partnership, and School Health.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust was selected to continue delivering these services, securing their provision for the next 5 years. The renewed contract brings a greater focus on integration, working closer with communities, and early intervention and prevention.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:- “By delivering accessible, integrated baby, child, young person and family focused services, today’s announcement will help deliver on the council’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and set every child up for the best start in life. We are passionate about providing the best early help and intervention and are really excited about the new contract with our colleagues at Mersey Care, who will help drive this transformation and change.” 

Trish Bennett, Chief Executive of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:- “Our partnership with Liverpool City Council will help us to develop a new way of working to support local families. Our plans include an innovative partnership with council services and Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust which will focus on families rather than organisational boundaries and ensure we can provide the best support at the right time, in the right place and by the right person.”

Prof. Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health said:- “This crucial service will provide a strong foundation to help us to deliver our commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, by giving parents the support they need to ensure their baby has the best start and opportunities for children and young people to grow and thrive. We have the chance to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of residents in the City and focus on the future and I look forward to working with our partners to develop world class services for the people of Liverpool.”