A HUGE annual rise of almost 20 per cent in the Melton Shire birth rate has led to the recruitment of additional maternal and child health nurses to keep mothers and babies happy and healthy.
Melton Shire mayor Justin Mammarella said that the extra nursing staff would work at maternal and child health centres where the demand was greatest, including Taylors Hill, Caroline Springs and Melton.
“Over the last two months, three additional part-time nurses have been employed with plans to recruit more nurses in early 2008,” Cr Mammarella said.
“That means the council will be providing the equivalent of more than 11 full-time nurses.”
Melton Shire Council has made funds available in its 2007-2008 budget and has also received additional funding from the State Government for its rapidly growing young community.
“It’s a terrific compliment and a marvellous vote of confidence in our community that so many people are choosing Melton Shire as the place where they want to settle and raise a family,” Cr Mammarella said.
“We’re delighted to give them the help they need with more nurses to check on the positive physical health and development of the many new young children as well as their mums.”
The average number of birth notices a month in Melton Shire has risen from 127 a month in 2006 to 150 in 2007, an 18.1 per cent increase, although monthly rises have gone as high as 19.7 per cent compared with the same time last year.
Recruitment in the 2007-08 financial year alone means the council will add more than 83 extra hours a week in new maternal and child health nursing staff.
“As well as more births, the figures show that a greater percentage of parents are using the maternal and child health service, which is great news as there is an increasing recognition of the importance of early childhood development,” Cr Mammarella said.
“The shire saw an average 2 per cent increase in attendances for the key health checks for children from birth to four years old in 2006-2007 compared with 2005-2006.
“We always encourage parents to bring their babies and children along for these voluntary checks and we’re very pleased to provide these additional resources to help some of our newest residents to achieve the best start in life,” the mayor said.
