Free training and bursaries offered to entice former health visitors back into the profession

By Neil Puffett Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Funding to pay former health visitors to retrain and return to the profession will form part of a bid to address falling numbers, CYP Now has learned.

Health visitor working with young women

The plan to boost support for mothers with young children was a key election pledge for the Conservatives, the party having said it will recruit an additional 4,200 health visitors over the next five years. 

Return to Practice programmes are now being offered at two universities in a bid to attract health visitors who have left the profession back into the workforce.

NHS London has the funding to pay for 30 former health visitors to attend one of the three-month courses available, with bursaries to cover other expenses also being provided as part of the package.

The first entrants to this programme will enrol next month, with those taking part in the scheme entitled to payment of the course fees and a minimum bursary of £1,000 to cover expenses.

Chief nurse Trish Morris-Thompson said: "This programme provides real patient benefits by bringing experienced staff back to the NHS.

"It delivers value for money because a three-month course is the quickest and most cost-effective way to drive up the numbers of health visitors who are desperately needed in the capital."

Concerns have previously been raised over plans to recruit 4,200 additional health visitors amid fears a two-year pay freeze for public sector workers will jeopardise attempts.