THURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2021

Photograph attached: Photo 1: FNP Lead Nurse Debbie Balshaw and Family Nurse Tessa Hourston, photos 2, 3, 4 and 5: Families who attended the 10 year anniversary event

Family Nurse Partnership celebrates 10 year anniversary

NHS Tayside’s Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is celebrating 10 years supporting young families across the region.

The FNP is a voluntary home visiting programme for all eligible first time parents in Tayside aged 19 or under at the start of pregnancy. The programme involves regular home visits by a specially trained family nurse to support young parents from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday.

The service has been available in NHS Tayside from 2011 and more than 1700 young families have benefited from being part of the FNP programme since it was introduced.

Families and staff joined in the celebrations at a special ‘party in the park’ event at Baxter Park in Dundee to mark the 10-year milestone. Those attending the event enjoyed child-friendly activities with Dundee Leisure and Communities Park Lives team and FNP staff were also presented with a 10-year souvenir certificate to mark the anniversary.

FNP Lead Nurse Debbie Balshaw said, “We are delighted that some of the families we support could be part of the celebration to mark our 10-year anniversary.

“I would like to thank all the clients, their babies and families, our FNP team and Dundee Leisure and Communities Park Lives team for making this a memorable occasion for everyone involved. It was truly inspiring to hear about the clients’ experiences of being part of the FNP programme.”

Some of the comments from families involved in the FNP programme when asked about their dedicated family nurse include:

• “I can speak to her about everything, and I can phone her for advice”

• “My family nurse has helped me with so much”

• “It makes it easier with the same family nurse who comes to see me and my son”

• “She always listens and always gives good advice”

NHS Tayside Director of Nursing and Midwifery Claire Pearce added, “The FNP provides an important service for young parents and their babies across Tayside and I am pleased to see it mark 10 years supporting local families. The team is fully committed to delivering the FNP programme and working together with families to offer advice and support.”

Visit the NHS Tayside Family Nurse Partnership website to find out more about the service.

You can also ask your GP, midwife or other healthcare professional for more information.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138