Pilot Aim: Children in our region receive timely developmental surveillance until they are 5 years of age and their mothers receive wellbeing checks during and after pregnancy.

Evidence from The First 2000 Days Framework shows that early childhood events from conception to the age of 5 years are predictive of the level of health and wellbeing the person will experience over their lifetime. Preventative care can result in a happier and healthier childhood and reduce the incidence of later drug and alcohol misuse, violent behaviour, obesity, depression, coronary artery disease, premature ageing, and premature death.

Over a 9-month period, practices will be supported to combine immunisation encounters with child development checks and increase shared care with specialist nurses in Child and Family Health services.

Onsite coaching and phone support will be provided by experienced nurses from the Child and Family Health nursing service and general practice. Skills include setting up the practice, child and maternal screening, recording results, and uploading child health summaries to My Health Record.

Eligibility: Accredited practices must be willing to bulk bill children 0-5 years, with GP currently in the SNHN Shared Antenatal Care Program or willing to join, and a Registered Nurse interested in providing health and development checks.

Remuneration is available for 3 practices in areas identified as having high cohorts of vulnerable children – Hornsby, Ryde, and Warringah LGAs.