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Original poster

Do you have to see a health visitor?

9 replies

Rose138 · 20/10/2015 16:19

Hello all,

My nephew is 2 and a half. My sister unfortunately was physically abused by his dad. They have not been together for 2 years and my sister is now with someone else. At first my nephews dad was having contact but hasn't for the past year for various reasons.

Anyway my sister moved and only recently registered my nephew at the doctors. My sister didn't take him for his 1 or 2 year check up so when registered my nephew had an appointment with the doctor. This was 2 weeks ago and last week my sister told me a health visitor had phoned to make a home visit. This was for yesterday. My sister cancelled the appointment but they didn't receive the voicemail and so turned up at her house. She wasn't in. They phoned her but my sister told the health visitor she doesn't want a visit as my nephew only saw the doctor two weeks ago.

I'm just concerned. Would the doctor have asked the health visitor to visit or is it just because she's newly registered? I hope nothing can happen from my sister refusing the visit?

I've also heard through the people I know that my nephews dad has filed court papers wanting to see my nephew. So I'm just hoping this isn't linked or could affect court in any way?

Thank you all in advance.

OP posts:
Snossidge · 20/10/2015 16:27

The HV will just want to see her as they are newly registered/moved to the area.

There's no legal obligation for your sister to see the HV, but if there is any concern about your nephew and she seems to be avoiding appointments then they may take things further eg, ask social services to check up on them.

Is there a reason your sister doesn't want to see them? When I moved house the HV came round, chatted about the kids and asked if I need help with finding nursery places or anything, gave me some children's centre leaflets and was gone within 20 minutes.

Original poster
Rose138 · 20/10/2015 16:32

That's really helpful, thank you. Thank you for your quick reply too.

I'm not sure why. As my son is 11 months and I've seen the health visitor regularly to get him weighed and they visited a few times after he was born as he was quite poorly when he was born. I tried to say that to my sister that yes they can have opinions different to your own but they can be helpful too but she just shut me down saying she doesn't have to see them.

I just have my concerns as like you say, social services could become involved if they are worried about her being so uncooperative. Xx

OP posts:
fakenamefornow · 20/10/2015 16:38

Do you know why she is so adamant she doesn't want to see them?

I think avoidance like this might arouse suspicion even if completely innocent. I don't think she has to see them though. Hopefully somebody knowledgeable will be along in a minute.

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fakenamefornow · 20/10/2015 16:40

Was the DV reported to the police? I think were I like this automatically get reported to ss if there are children in the house.

MetallicBeige · 20/10/2015 16:42

Has he had his 2-2 1/2 year development review? She might be trying to arrange that, as well as following standard procedure - movement into the area - visit to introduce self ensure the family have all the local information they need, child is registered with GP/dentist etc.

Original poster
Rose138 · 20/10/2015 16:43

No I really don't know why she is against seeing them.

Yes the police were involved 2 years ago.x

OP posts:
Original poster
Rose138 · 20/10/2015 16:46

Yes you're right I did say to my sister it probably is just because she's new to the area. But she said she has no concerns about my nephew so doesn't need to see them.

He had a check over by the doctor 2 weeks ago but I don't think that was his 2 and a half year development check as I took them there and they were only with the doctor 10 minutes max.

Thank you for your replies! Xx

OP posts:
WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 20/10/2015 16:49

A lot of areas arrange an appointment with the health visitor if you move into the area with a pre school child. We moved recently with my 17 month old and they and to visit us. Completely routine, they basically introduced themselves and let me know what services were in the area etc.

Writerwannabe83 · 21/10/2015 13:48

I used to work with HV's and we were attached to three GP surgeries and anytime a new baby/child registered with then we were informed.

Part of my role was to go out to the homes, meet the family, let them know about our services, discuss any worries they had about their child etc.

It is pretty much standard procedure in most areas so please tell your sister not to worry.

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