Maternal and Child Health
Coronavirus update - Stage 4 August 2020
Council’s Maternal and Child Health services will continue to operate as an essential service and is one of the reasons that families can leave the home. We will be following DHHS guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by:
- Prioritising services for all infants 0-8 weeks, Aboriginal infants and children and those with additional needs or concerns including families accessing the Enhanced Maternal Child Health program
- We will minimise physical contact by offering telephone consultations supplemented by short face to face appointments
- Clients with booked appointments will be sent a text message prior to the day of their appointment stating that they will receive a phone call between 9am–12pm. The nurse will arrange with the client their face to face appointment time.
We ask clients to please contact 9784 1756 if they wish to make an appointment.
- All drop in services are cancelled until further notice
- Parent groups and Parent Education Sessions are currently being held online
- Home Visits for new babies will continue but will be via telephone consultation initially. A precautionary screening will continue to occur over the phone when we confirm your appointment
- Breastfeeding support will be offered via telephone or video consultation
- Clients can also call the MCH Line 132229 if they wish to speak with an MCH nurse
If you have an appointment scheduled and are unwell, we ask that you call 9784 1756 to reschedule your appointment.
Clients will be screened for COVID-19 as follows
- Are a suspected of confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) and have not yet been cleared to end self-isolation
- Meet the current Victorian coronavirus (COVID-19) case definition and testing criteria
- Symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection characterised by cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell or taste
- A fever or chills in the absence of an alternative diagnosis
- Have returned from overseas within the last 14 days (should be in hotel quarantine)
- Are a close contact of a confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) case (should be in self-quarantine)
Anyone who has answered yes to any of the above should self-quarantine at home, be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) and advised to contact the DHHS 24-hour hotline on 1800 675 398, or phone their GP to arrange for testing and appropriate care.
Information for parents during Stage 4 restrictions – DHHS (545KB)
More information on impacted Council services, events, facilities and more.
What services does the Maternal and Child Health Service provide?
Frankston City's Maternal and Child Health Service promotes the health and wellbeing of children from birth to 6 years of age. Our qualified Maternal and Child Health practitioners provide screening, advice and support on your child’s growth, development and health needs, including:
- Safe sleeping
- Breastfeeding
- Nutrition
- Safety
- Oral health
- Immunisation advice
- Vision screening
Key ages and stages of development are:
2 weeks 4 weeks
8 weeks 4 months
8 months 1 year
18 months 2 years
3 ½ years
Autism spectrum early detection
Our Maternal Child Health (MCH) Nurses are trained to recognise early signs and symptoms in children who may be on the autism spectrum. MCH nurses are also educated to assist parents and carers to identify possible early signs of autism at home and any concerns can be raised with an MCH nurse during a regular check up or during an appointment.
A broader awareness of autism behaviours means children can receive intervention sooner. Early diagnosis and intervention in children on the autism spectrum is critical, to assist with improved social and educational outcomes later life. If your child is identified as having additional needs, we can connect your family with NDIS funded and delivered support services.
The education for MCH Nurses state-wide was funded by the Victorian Government, as part of a $1.1 million training initiative.
Download the ASDetect app to your phone.
To book an appointment with your MCH nurse, see details below.
Maternal and Child Health Contacts
Council offers young families the convenience of one contact point to make or change appointments with their Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centre. This central booking phone number is: 9784 1756 and is available Monday through to Friday from 9am – 3pm.
A State Government 24 hour MCH line is also available on 132 229 staffed by qualified nurses who can provide over-the-phone information, advice and referrals.
In an emergency, phone 000.
Find your closest Maternal and Child Health Centre
There are 14 Maternal and Child Health centres within Frankston City:
You do not have to attend the Centre you are allocated to. You can contact your preferred centre to discuss transferring.
Drop-in sessions
Council hold free drop in maternal and child health sessions for families in Frankston City. Come in and receive advice and support on your child’s growth, development and health needs.
Drop-in sessions are held at:
Frankston North Community Centre
26 Mahogany Avenue, Frankston North
Thursdays 9am–12pm
Breastfeeding support drop-in sessions
Thursdays, 1–3.30pm, Botany Park Maternal Child Health Centre, 53 Lyrebird Drive, Carrum Downs
Phone: 9784 1756
FREE, no booking required
Bus: 833
We encourage you to come at the start of the session so your baby can have the opportunity to have their feeding observed by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse who will listen to your story, offer tips and advice, and work with you to help achieve your feeding goals.
What to bring:
- A drink such as water
- Nappies, wipes, change of clothes and bib for baby
- Any equipment you are using to feed your baby at home
- Your child’s Health Record book (green book)
- Your child's own toy for them to use
What to expect:
You may be here for five minutes or the whole session depending on how willing your baby is to feed and how many attend.
This is a drop in service so come and relax in a friendly supportive environment where mums, bubs and Maternal and Child Health Nurses work together to find the best fit for each family.
Bookings
- For all appointments and information, phone the central booking line on 9784 1756.
- The central booking line is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Call the central booking line to make your child's 8 month Key Age and Stage (KAS) appointment with your Maternal Child Health Nurse.
MCH App Available
Finding reliable information between your Maternal and Child Health (MCH) visits can be challenging for families. The Victorian Government’s new MCH App combines trustworthy information and time-saving features, into one simple digital tool.
Features include:
- ‘Nora’, the app’s digital assistant who can answer most common child health queries
- A library of information on popular health and development topics
- Click-to-call contacts
- Prompts for upcoming MCH consultations
- Regular updates and messages
This free app can be personalised and is available for all Apple and Android smartphones. Download from your App Store or visit the website below:
Maternal and Child Health Framework
The hospital will send our Administration team your baby's birth notice and one of our Maternal and Child Health Nurses will contact you to arrange a Home Visit.
There are 10 Key Ages and Stages which consist of:
- Home Visit
- 2 weeks
- 4 weeks
- 8 weeks
- 4 months
- 8 months
- 1 year
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 3 1/2 years
If you feel you need further support you are welcome to contact you’re the Central Bookings line on 9784 1756. Alternatively, a 24 hour MCH line is available on 132 229. In an emergency, phone 000.
What to bring?
- A change of clothes for the child
- A comfort rug
- Plastic bag for dirty nappy
- Child Health Record book
- Your child's own toy for them to use
Please note: Council has a policy of not allowing disposable nappies to be disposed of at the centre.
Services available
Consultations
- Centre consultations
- Growth and development assessment
- Home visiting
- Lactation consultancy
Family Support
- Group programs
- Guidance and advice on nutrition and parenting
- Information on local community resources, services and agencies
- New Parent groups
Health Advice
- Child and women's health issues
- Vision screening
- Referrals for hearing tests are available
- Immunisation
- Referral to appropriate professionals
Health Promotion
- Behaviour and development
- Child and family nutrition and dental health
- Home safety and accident prevention
Saturday Sessions
Saturday morning MCH sessions are available every alternate Saturday from 9am-12pm.
Location:
Seaford Centre
41 Railway Parade
Seaford
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