Covid-19 Autumn 2020 Lockdown Newborn Babies 2020-11-17
2020-11-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the indirect impact of the pandemic on pregnant women and young families, highlighting the need for continued support despite challenges.
What steps he is taking to support the healthcare needs of babies and families during the covid-19 outbreak. The indirect impact of covid-19 has been significant for pregnant women and their young families. Support for families is a priority, aiming to prevent short-term and long-term harms.
Health visiting teams have continued to prioritise high-need families. Efforts are made to ensure that informal support networks that supported mothers and younger babies can remain, providing necessary support even as it was challenging during the first wave.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ensuring informal support networks remains intact is not fully addressed with concrete steps or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges the desire of new families to return to face-to-face healthcare services while recognising the importance of retaining digital learning from the pandemic.
Does she agree that the amazing work in the early years sector to deliver online and digital services must not be lost? When we return to face-to-face services, we also need to capture all the amazing learning on digital support for new families. The hon. Friend is well aware of the desire of new families to return to face-to-face services as soon as possible.
Agrees with using digital technologies which enhanced various areas including mental health and young families. Emphasises the importance of continuing to embrace technology in healthcare delivery without losing this moment.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about capturing learning on digital support is not addressed with concrete steps or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that many low-income families struggle to afford infant formula with current Healthy Start voucher amounts. She references a report recommending an uprating due to the risk of unsafe alternatives.
Families with babies under one are entitled to only £6.20 per week in Healthy Start vouchers, which is insufficient for buying any infant formula on the market compared to Scotland's equivalent of £8.50. The report from 2018 by the all-party group on infant feeding and inequalities recommended uprating these vouchers due to cost issues leading to unsafe alternatives or diluted formula. Will the Minister urgently consider uprating Healthy Start vouchers?
I will take away the hon. Lady's comments and we will look at them.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about uprating Healthy Start vouchers is not addressed with any concrete steps or commitments.
Response accuracy