Dr Cheryll Adams, outgoing executive director of the charity and academic body which she founded, is calling for ‘desperately needed’ new investment from the Government. She highlights that there are 30 per cent less health visitors working across England today than there were five years ago, which is in contrast to the rest of the UK where the profession is being strengthened.
‘The impact of Covid-19 on young families has been immense,’ said Dr Adams. ‘It has also shone a light on just how essential the health visiting service is – now more than ever!
‘The Government cannot afford to ignore this any longer. There is too much at stake. It is time to act and to invest in rebuilding this vital profession once more.’
The iHV was launched in 2012 as a Centre of Excellence to strengthen the services which health visitors provide to parents, and for supporting health visitors in their challenging role on the frontline of preventative healthcare.
‘Health visitors work quietly and professionally with families to provide a safety net for all babies and pre-school children,’ said Dr Adams. ‘They turn children’s lives around, providing them with brighter futures and, in so doing, help to reduce the impact of health inequalities for all of us.’
The institute’s current director of policy and quality, Alison Morton (right), will become acting executive director when Dr Adams steps back in January 2021.
Dr Adams was awarded a CBE in 2016 for her services to health visiting. Particular highlights include the iHV’s work programmes around perinatal and infant mental health, language development and nutrition.
She will take the title of founding director and remain with the iHV working part-time to support Ms Morton’s transition until the end of March. After that Dr Adams plans to continue to support the institute with project work.
Pamela Goldberg, chair of trustees at the iHV, said, ‘I have complete confidence in Alison to take the institute into its next phase of development and, with Cheryll, look forward to supporting her transition into this new role.’
Dr Adams added, ‘In the time she has been with us, Alison has more than proved her commitment and passion to the health visiting profession – an essential trait for the organisation’s next leader. Alison has real vision, talent and energy and I will enjoy watching that being translated into action.’
