The campaign - Vitamin D for You and Me - was launched in September 2014 and targeted pregnant mothers, children under five and at risk groups, such as those with darker skin tones or who spend little time outside, such as children with additional needs.CSH Surrey’s 0-19 team, led by nurse, health visitor and professional practice teacher Pauline Bigwood wanted to implement Department of Health (DH) recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in these groups to improve child health.
‘Conversations need to be made at every appointment or contact with pregnant woman and mothers of young children. We need to capture children moving to fresh milk and reduce the number of children not having the vitamin D supplementation they need at two years.’
The cornerstone of the initiative is a new pathway tool for professionals -an innovative pathway tool developed with paediatric dieticians to enable nurses to deliver consistent, evidence based information at every appropriate client contact.
As well as a campaign poster, staff have an 'Ask me about vitamin D' badge to wear when working with families and a badge designed for children promotes discussion with their parents.
Find further information about the campaign here http://bit.ly/1Ja2oNi