Public Health Nursing
There are Public Health Nurses working from every Health Centre in our area, who provide a range of services to people in their homes. They are often your first contact with the HSE, as they visit new mothers to check on them and their babies, and provide advice on care, feeding and development. They also provide aftercare to people who have been discharged from hospital and a range of other services.
Contact your Public Health Nurse at your Health Centre, or Tel: (094) 904 2200/2202/2206.
Social Work
The Social Work Team is responsible for promoting the welfare and protection of children in the area by:
- Supporting children and families who are experiencing difficulties.
- Assessing suspected and alleged child protection concerns.
- Providing alternative care for children.
- Recruiting assessing and supporting foster carers.
- Conducting domestic/inter-county adoptions and working with individuals in relation to searching and assessing reunion.
Contact the Social Work Team at Ballina, Tel: (096) 21511
Child Health
Area Medical Teams visit schools in the area to give vaccinations like the MMR, Meningitis C, Rubella etc. They also work with Public Health Nurses to check on a child's development from birth onwards, through a series of standard regular checks. Area Medical Officers also play an important role in managing outbreaks of illness like measles or mumps in the area. You can contact the Area Medical Officers on Tel: (094) 904 2212/2213
Community Welfare
Community Welfare Officers work from Health Centres in the area, and can give financial support to those in need, in the form of rent supplement or supplementary welfare allowance. They also advise on entitlements and can help with filling in forms like the Medical Card, GP Visit Card etc. Contact your Health Centre.
Immunisation
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting your child against certain diseases. Children and young people in Ireland are entitled to certain vaccinations and immunisation services free of charge. These vaccines are provided by your GP, in hospitals, at Health Centres, at home or at school.
For more information on immunisation talk to your GP, Public Health Nurse at your local Health Centre, or visit - www.immunisation.ie
