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Health visiting and school nursing


We provide children's community health services on behalf of Cornwall Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

We provide health and development reviews, health promotion, health protection and health improvement. We provide support for your unique needs. We work closely with:

  • midwives
  • GP’s
  • hospitals
  • mental health services
  • education
  • early years
  • family hubs
  • children’s services
  • specialist services

Health advice

Chathealth text numbers

0-19 Health Advice Line

A quick and easy way for young people and parents / carers to contact Health Visitors and School Nurses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It is part of our 0-19 Health Advice Line.

There are three advice lines available to text. Two are specific to parents / carers. The other is dedicated support for young people.

  • Young people aged 11-19: Text 07312 263 096
  • Parents / carers of children aged 0-5: Text 07312 263 423
  • Parents / carers of children and young people aged 5-19: Text 07312 263 499

How it works

You can send us a text message, anonymously if you wish, to Health Visiting and School Nursing to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including:

  • sleep
  • child development
  • support with behaviour
  • toileting and continence
  • feeding and nutrition
  • immunisations
  • keeping safe and healthy
  • childhood illnesses and support with medical conditions at school
  • emotional, mental health and wellbeing
  • relationships
  • smoking and vaping
  • drugs and alcohol

When to text

The text messaging service is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9am to 5pm. When a text message is sent to the numbers, an automated reply confirms the message has been received. A trained nurse will reply to the message during within 48 office hours.

If you prefer to telephone or email the advice line, you can contact us at:

Please note that this is not an emergency service. Urgent health advice should be sought from an NHS walk-in centre or by calling NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999 or go to A&E.

Posters for download and printing

The posters below are available for download to display in your premises: 

About ChatHealth

The text service is part of ChatHealth. It is used by several NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK. It was developed by 2013 by an NHS Trust to offer more choice in how people can get help from local trained health staff in their area. In other areas where it is used young people say they feel more comfortable talking about their issues in a discreet message, whilst parents and carers say messaging is more convenient way to ask quick questions.

Funded by UK Government ChatHealth logo

Share your views with us

Through listening and learning we will improve the quality of the service we provide and encourage good practice by our staff.

If you have been pleased with the care received by a member of staff from our service, let us know so that we may celebrate and learn from good and excellent practice.

Learning from Excellence – Feedback Form

If you are interested in being involved in focus groups please let us by emailing hvsnadvice@cornwall.gov.uk.

Your privacy

Find out how we use your information to provide services

Compliments, comments and complaints

You can provide formal feedback on our service.

Work with us

If you are interested in a career in our service, please see our jobs and careers pages.

Visit our jobs and careers pages

Care Quality Commission

We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.  Please visit their website for further information.Care Quality Commission website

 

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

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