Health bosses miss child health targets in Huddersfield

Jan 10 2009 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The spokeswoman added: “We are committed to improving breast feeding rates by working with Kirklees Council, maternity services, the voluntary sector and families.

“NHS Kirklees has started work on our Baby Friendly Initiative which aims to improve training for key staff working with women and children, to encourage continued breast feeding up to at least six months after birth.”

NHS Kirklees is also falling short of its target for tot’s flu and meningitis immunisation. Latest figures show in June, 2008, that only 85% of two-year-olds had had a (Hib) flu and meningitis C inoculation – 10% below the target of 95%.

The NHS Kirklees spokeswoman added: “The main issue would seem to be that if an initial appointment is not met, say because the child is not well, then a new appointment is not being made.

“We are therefore looking at a number of different ways to improve the take up, and to ensure that cancelled appointments are re-made and kept.’’