PARENTS and carers can now call a new weekend helpline for advice from a qualified health visitor for any child up to five years old.

The phone line, which is run by Wye Valley NHS Trust’s health visiting service, has been launched during one of the busiest winter periods to reduce unnecessary hospital and GP visits by providing sound advice if parents have concerns such as weaning, feeding issues, behavioural problems and postnatal depression.

The new advice line is manned by a health visitor and operates 8am until 8pm on weekends and bank holidays and is initially available until the end of March this year.

Sabrina Whalen-Blake, from Hereford, is one mum who is impressed with the new service.

She said: “I think this a great idea as it can be overwhelming being a new mum and it’s reassuring to know that specialist advice is also available through a quick telephone call at the weekends.”

Sarah Wilcox, health visitor at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this weekend service, which means that anyone who is caring for a baby right through to a child up to five years old can access health visiting advice seven days a week.

“Parents who call the weekend advice line will also be offered appointments for further support if needed at our health visiting clinics at weekends.

“We are here to give advice as health visitors, but if your child’s condition is more serious, call NHS 111.

If you feel the condition is life threatening call 999.”

This new service is in addition to the existing health visitor advice available from Monday to Friday on 01432 373941.

The advice line is available on 07580961333 on a Saturday and 07813528483 on a Sunday.