Tags: MPs

iHV backs new Babies Bill to strengthen support in the first 1,001 days

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) is backing new legislation calling for stronger support for families from conception and during the first 1,001 days. 

Ahead of the Infants, Parents and Carers (Babies) Bill second reading tomorrow (4 September), the Institute is among a number of health organisations which have signed an open letter to MPs. The letter urges MPs to support the Bill and champion the role of health in the first 1,001 days – and to put the needs of babies and families higher up the political agenda.

Introduced by Sir Desmond Swayne MP, the Private Members Bill would place key early years services in England on a statutory footing and require annual reporting to Parliament on the support available to families and its impact.

While welcoming the Bill’s ambition to strengthen support for babies and families, signatories are encouraging MPs to consider how the legislation can help protect and strengthen the health services that families rely on during the first 1,001 days and promote better cross-government working for infant health.

The letter highlights the first 1,001 days, from conception to age two, as a crucial period that lays the foundations for lifelong health. It argues that stronger support for infants and families during this period can help prevent future health problems and reduce demand on already stretched NHS services.

The call comes as evidence shows children’s health outcomes are worsening across several key measures. RCPCH’s State of Child Health 2026 found that progress has stalled or gone backwards in areas including infant mortality, school readiness, mental health, vaccination uptake, obesity and tooth decay, with the greatest impact often felt in the most deprived communities.

Read joint letter to MPs on Babies Bill

Signatures: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Midwives, Institute of Health Visiting, Royal College of physicians, Faculty of Public Health, Association of Director of Public Health, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Occupational Therapists

What happened in Wednesday’s HV debate in Westminster?

Over the past few days many of you have supported us in our preparation of a briefing for MPs for the Parliamentary Debate on health visiting cuts which took place on Wednesday afternoon (23 October). If you weren’t able to watch the debate at the time, we have the link here:

Or if you prefer, you can read the debate transcript here

If you haven’t yet had time to look at our blueprint Vision for the future of health visiting (Health Visiting in England: A Vision for the Future), please do read it – you are going to be hearing a lot more about it. It has attracted incredible support from those who truly can make a difference and it was very encouraging to hear Jo Churchill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care, referring to it, and stating her desire, during the debate, to meet with us to discuss it.

When we meet with Jo Churchill, we will be taking with us the results of our latest State of Health Visiting survey. Thank you to those of you who have already completed it, and some of your anonymous comments have already been shared.  But we do need a good sample size to make the findings robust. So, health visitors, please do take the time to complete it as we will continue to use the aggregated data in our ongoing lobbying of government and will be publishing the survey report at our Leadership conference on 3 December – you are welcome to join us for this inspiring day. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out!

Find out more about iHV Leadership Conference 2019

The link to the survey has been shared out via email to health visitors, however, if you cannot locate it, please contact [email protected] to request the link.