Help shape the future of Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health service

The Victorian government is calling on families who have used the state’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service in the past two years to provide feedback on their experience.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced last week that the state government had launched a new survey to gather insights into the MCH service to guide improvements and ensure it continues to support families effectively.

Available in 10 community language in addition to English, the survey encompasses all aspects of the MCH service, including the Universal MCH program, the 10 key ages and stages visits, the Enhanced MCH program, the Aboriginal MCH program and the MCH Line.

Questions focus on first home visits, ongoing appointments with MCH nurses and the support and information shared as part of the child’s growth and development, with the anonymous feedback provided helping the government to understand what’s working and what can be improved.

The survey will build on a series of roundtables the Victorian government is presently undertaking with parents and carers in Melbourne and regional Victoria and will help to guide future policies, programs and initiatives that impact Victorian children.

“The survey gives families the power to help us improve the services that provide free, accessible maternal child health to all Victorian children from birth to school age,” Ms Blandthorn said.

“We know there are always opportunities to improve our services and that’s why we want to hear directly from Victorian parents and carers about their experiences using our Maternal and Child Health Service.”

The MCH service is a free service, offering support to all families to care for babies and children until they start school.

Delivered locally in partnership with councils and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, the service includes visits to a local MCH nurse at 10 key ages and stages in a child’s development, with additional visits, first-time parenting groups and links to local community activities and support services also on offer.

The service also provides 24-hour support through its MCH line, allowing families with children from birth to school age to speak to a nurse for advice and support.

To learn more about Victoria’s MCH services, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au

To complete the MCH survey before 5pm on November 17, head to engage.vic.gov.au/have-your-say-on-maternal-and-child-health-services