Health visitor or GP?

[roseswade]

I’m a FTM and a little confused about the role of a HV vs GP. I called the GP for an issue with my DD and was asked if I’d contacted the HV. Is it routine to go through the HV for any concerns?

I now want to contact someone regarding a skin problem DD is having but confused as to whether it should go through the HV or GP?

My DD is only 6 weeks old, we don’t have an assigned HV as the first one we saw was retired and just helping out.

Just confused about the roles when it comes to medical concerns.

Thanks!

If you think it's likely a really obvious common baby issue, such as mild eczema, the HV should be able to advise on things to try.
But personally I would want a doctor review of most health issues and not a HV- I think this is GP practises trying to triage and redirect of patients where possible given the high demand they are under at the moment.

Yes, it makes sense with general baby niggles to contact HV first. They are the experts with 0 - 5 yr olds. GPs are obviously highly trained / medically qualified, BUT that is in everything from TTC to geriatrics, mental health to cancer, bowel conditions, bone conditions, UTIs, kidney infection, weight gain, headaches etc etc etc x 1000.
HVs on the other hand are specialists in what you need - which is minor concerns which seem magnified when you are a first time Mum, and usually sleep deprived.

See the doctor for medical issues . See the HV for everyday issues such as feeding, nappy rash, eczema, weaning, growth, development etc.
If HV concerned they will advise you to see the GP.

I could never work it out either, but similar to you the HV attached to the surgery left and no one replaced her so we just went to the GP.

It totally depends on your HV and how good they are.

With my first the HV was inconsistent, nightmare to get hold of someone who was actually happy to advise, I always went to the GP about everything but with my second the HV is brilliant so she is always my first point of call and if she can't help she usually tasks the GP to either see us, prescribe something or refer.

I have worked with fantastic health visitors, but I've never been allocated one.

If I have a health concern about a baby I see a GP, same as I would for the rest of the family.

If I wanted advice about baby care, weaning etc I might try my health visitor.