Dolls, books, scales and DVDs have all been purchased by the Friends of St Mary’s for the NHS’s Children’s Services, which incorporates School Nursing and Health Visiting.
5 neonate dolls are now being used across the Island in ante-natal classes, to educate parents on how to care for their young children with a view to improving long-term outcomes. They are also valuable for teaching breast feeding.
As obesity among Isle of Wight children is an ongoing health concern, the department has also received light-weight scales for use in schools.
In addition, there are 4 books designed to give vulnerable youngsters support. Yet to come are 3 DVDs for professionals to visually deliver child accident prevention messages and DVD packs about body changes and puberty.
Rebecca Shaw, clinical Lead of the department, which occupies premises on the industrial estate behind St Mary’s, said health visitors either operate in people’s homes or at family centres.
“The dolls are very lifelike, and are an extremely valuable teaching aid for us. They can be used for a whole range of purposes, from nappy changing to bathing.”
Among the books being used by school nurses are those to help children of any age suffering a bereavement, or need to learn about puberty.
The bumper package gifted to the department cost the Friends of St Mary’s £786.
