Hi, we are using the EPDS as well, we record scores on system one and also scan the EPDS sheets onto the system to refer back to or if someone else has to pick up the piece of work (i.e. due to sickness etc). As long as it is read coded you can pull the data back off again to look at statistics and outcomes following intervention.

We fear what we do not know about and do not know about what fears us. I believe that many of the issues we face as individuals can result in ‘hate crime’ so disability, health issues, depression and so on result in extreme emotions. I wonder if the more we ‘see it’ talk about it, share about it the less fearful it becomes and the more open individuals may be to discussing it. As members of the iHV we should aim to get one piece of HV ‘news’ in to the local paper every week – we almost need a member of the team to be responsible for this through our comms channels. Maybe if we become more familiar with these things then maybe we will not fear them so much?
I found the link above did not work for me so have reposted it here. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/health/i-want-to-drown-my-baby—why-women-with-postnatal-depression-do/

My Health visitor colleagues and I have been wearing a uniform for approximately 2 years now. After the initial anxieties, it was quickly embraced and in reality creates a professional looking workforce. Agencies now recognise the uniform as do parents, and at professional meetings, my job role is clear before any introductions take place. A strict uniform policy assists to raise the profile of Health visiting,enabling us to present as a credible, educated workforce delivering high standards of care.

I believe that we should wear uniform although in my Trust we do not. I believe that this would get around the ‘approrpriate’ dress issue, after all what I see as acceptable may not be what someone else thinks is ok. Definitely no nails polish, rings and so on. I have seen HV’s in flip flops, shorts, chiffon trousers, low tops with painted nails and nails ‘jewels’. We MUST remember infection prevention and control with hand washing and the 5 moments of hand hygiene. Whilst I would agree with Roberts comments about ‘clinical’ we do work with babies who have been discharged, generally, from a hospital setting at many of our visits. This not only protects our clients but also ourselves.

I have previously worked for Salford Royal Foundation trust and was one of the first health visitors to wear a uniform out of my team. I found the uniform reduced my DNA rate on my caseload. I had to explain to families that I was not a midwife on the first visit and the role of the health visitor but that was also a conversation I had when in normal clothes. In my opinion, it did not seem to create any barriers with my relationship with the families. Some of my longer term families did not even noticed that I was wearing a uniform untill I pointed it out at the end of the home visit. The uniform did give me a corporate identity and profesional image but on a personal level it also allowed me not to have to consider what to wear in a morning. The trust wear I am working now are starting to have the discussions with staff within the health visiting service in regards to uniforms. Some of the specialist health visitors such as the BCG HV are already in uniform and they feel comfotable wearing a uniform and have not reported that this has affected the relationship and the service that they deliver.

Health Visitors with Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust have worn uniforms for some time. I have not worked for the trust, but from my acquaintance with colleagues there, I think its fair to say that the initial adoption of uniforms attracted a range of views, but that on the whole misgivings have been dispelled. Possible pluses include strengthened corporate identity within the organisation; being seen as ‘professional’ and clinically credible in the community; also the decision making about ‘what to wear’ is avoided. Personally, I need to be convinced. I’m ambivalent about the term ‘clinical’ as applied to HV. The etymology of the word is the Greek word for ‘bed’ and implies sickness, passivity and detachment whereas I associate HV with health, empowerment and engagement. More generally, what we wear is part of how we represent ourselves and establish identity. Health visiting is a relational process more than a set of technical procedures, but the ‘use of self’ does not mean we are representing ourselves as private individuals: we are representing health visiting, our employers and often a wider team or even ‘system’ – think of implementing a child protection plan. Then there is the matter of professional identity and the connotations of relative esteem and status. In my view, HVs need to becomes experts in reflectively managing identities. Sometimes it begins at the wardrobe.

I have a mixture of work clothes, I would only wear jeans to training days but I have seen others in black jeans. I wear trousers, skirts and leggings but depends on what I’ve got on that day as to which I choose. I don’t wear nail varnish, false nails or anything other than a plain wedding ring. I wouldn’t be against a uniform but know others who are.

It would be interesting to hear from HVs who wear uniforms – I know a few who do and the feedback I’ve heard has been positive so far.

I think HVs should adhere to the Trust Uniform Policy, therefore, they shouldn’t wear jewellery (except a plain wedding band), shouldn’t wear nail polish or nail extensions, tattoos should be covered, clothes should be suitable – no low cut strappy tops / appropriate length skirts and footwear should be appropriate ie no open toes / flip flops. We are a profession, families and other professionals make judgments on what they see, we let our profession down if we aren’t smart.

I think HVs should adhere to the Trust Uniform Policy, therefore, they shouldn’t wear jewellery (except a plain wedding band), shouldn’t wear nail polish or nail extensions, tattoos should be covered, clothes should be suitable – no low cut strappy tops / appropriate length skirts and footwear should be appropriate ie no open toes / flip flops. We are a profession, families and other professionals make judgments on what they see, we let our profession down if we aren’t smart.