The ‘Crossing the boundaries’ programme for children in Girvan had a visit from Michael Matheson MSP, Minister for Public Health, who visited Girvan this week to find out more.

The Minister visited Girvan Community Hospital and Girvan Nursery School to meet with representatives from NHS Ayrshire & Arran, South Ayrshire Council and the Royal College of Nursing. He discussed the benefits of an integrated public health approach for children and families in Girvan and the surrounding areas.

‘Crossing the boundaries’ aims to provide an accessible and effective nursing service to children and their families through partnership working.

Fiona McQueen, Executive Director of Nursing – NHS Ayrshire & Arran explained: “Our Early Years team worked closely with their colleagues in South Ayrshire Council to develop a service which met the needs of the local population. By involving patients, carers, children, young people, families and the community in general, we have been able to provide and deliver integrated quality services.”

One of the success stories of the project has been the introduction of the drop-in sessions at Girvan Nursery School. Parents and carers are able to bring their children along to the school and chat with a health visitor about any concerns they may have.

Frances Milne, Clinical Team Leader – NHS Ayrshire & Arran explained: “Our families really benefit from being able to pop into the school at a time and place that suits them. Our health visitors can offer advice and support on any aspect of child health. They can also offer advice to parents who are perhaps struggling with family life, and need extra support.”

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “The Crossing the boundaries programme in Girvan is an excellent example of the kind of integrated public health approach for children and families we want to see in Scotland. I was particularly impressed by the commitment of all those involved and recognise the value of the drop-in sessions introduced at Girvan Nursery School, which provide opportunities for parents and carers to receive advice and support from health visitors.”