A round-up of other health news in brief
New scheme will help nannies get registered
CHILDMINDING IRELAND has launched a scheme to enable those wanting to provide childcare services in the child’s home to become registered nannies.
The voluntary scheme, launched by Minister for Children Barry Andrews, will require nannies to hold public liability insurance and a medical clearance certificate from their GP. Nannies registered under the scheme will not require garda vetting.
Patricia Murray, chief executive of Childminding Ireland, said “While garda vetting isnt mandatory, it’s best practice. At 15 weeks, the current process takes far too long, but by applying to be vetted, nannies can reassure parents.”
According to Mr Andrews, “Garda vetting requires a lot of clerical work and, with a moratorium on staff, it’s unlikely to move quickly. Even if no criminal charges are pending, it doesn’t guarantee a nanny’s suitability.” He encouraged parents to check references thoroughly.
Patricia Murray said her organisation was seeing an increased demand from parents for more flexible childcare. “In the current environment many parents with two or more children are unable to commit to long-term creche fees. With job uncertainty, they want more flexible childcare arrangements and getting a nanny or a childminder can help,” she said.
According to Mr Andrews, “The early identification of speech deficits in children is critical to ensuring a child doesn’t get left behind when they start school. We must support and empower those looking after our children to make referrals so that children aren’t left behind.”
Mallow health centre wins award
MALLOW PRIMARY Healthcare Centre (MPHC) is the first medical/healthcare institution in the UK and Ireland to win an internationally recognised health and safety standard. The centre was awarded the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Specification by European Quality Assurance (EQA) International.
“Many of the systems which are now installed at MPHC will deliver new expertise and services,” said Dr Tony Heffernan, a GP at MPHC.
Half of Irish women would split maternity leave
MORE THAN half of Irish women would split their maternity leave with their partner if they could, according to new research by a healthcare company.
The survey of 1,000 women commissioned by Quinn Healthcare found mothers in Dublin were among the least willing to split their maternity leave (49 per cent) but well over half of mothers in Ulster, Connacht and Munster felt it was a good option.
Half of the women surveyed said they had had difficulty re-integrating into work after maternity leave.
The survey also found that more than two-thirds would rather stay at home than go back to employment after their baby was born.
Half of women aged 16-24 were more eager to get back to the workforce, while 72 per cent of those over 35 thought staying at home was a much more attractive option.
Over three-quarters of mothers believed breastfeeding was the healthiest option for babies, particularly women over 55.
Just 20 per cent of women thought home births were a safe option for women, with younger women being least enthusiastic, at 12 per cent.
Sarah O’Neill, occupational health adviser with Quinn, said the evidence showed older women found it tougher to balance motherhood and work. “Typically, this age group must often rely solely on creches and childminders compared with younger mums who can call on family members if they are stuck,” Ms O’Neill said.
“The cost of creches and childminding facilities may also factor in this, particularly in the current economic climate.”
