Goya Dmytryshchak
Face-to-face maternal and child health consultations in Hobsons Bay resumed this week as the municipality comes to life after COVID-19 lockdown.
In-person consults are available for those with babies up to eight weeks old, while most other appointments are continuing via virtual means or over the phone.
New parents groups also recommenced, with social distancing in place and a maximum of 10 participants (each with their infant).
Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates said the maternal and child health check-ups were a vital service for the community.
“Like many council services, we needed to adapt appointments during the pandemic to continue to support families,“ she said.
“We are pleased to be able to invite new parents back into our centres.
“New parent groups build a sense of connectedness and community spirit.
“For some, being a first-time parent can be a lonely and daunting experience, let alone during a global pandemic.
“While our online meetings were well received and enabled new parents to share stories and bond as a group, we are very happy to recommence the new parents groups in person.”
New parents will be contacted by a nurse when their child is about six to eight weeks old with an invitation to join.
Maternal and child health appointments can be made by calling 9932 1300 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm.
