In good news for local families, twelve newly accredited Child and Family Health Nurses will hit the ground running across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

With a focus on supporting families with babies and children aged 0 - 5 years and providing health and developmental checks, nurses will also provide education and advice for parents.

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal said the nurses will help give Western NSW children the best start possible in life.

We are encouraging parents and carers to take their children for the health and developmental checks that are so crucial in the first 2,000 days of life,” Mr Spittal said.

“I’m pleased to say these 12 Child and Family Health Nurses have started work across Western NSW Local Health District, having just completed their graduate certificate in Child and Family Health.

"The graduates are based in Grenfell, Brewarrina, Walgett, Lightening Ridge, Collarenebri, Goodooga, Wellington, Coonabarabran, and soon to be in Bourke.”

A new support initiative was developed by WNSWLHD to help existing staff members qualify as Child and Family Health nurses.

“These 12 staff members were given access to face to face education sessions, with hands on experience, clinical support days, and networking opportunities," Tammy O'Connor, Senior Manager, Paediatrics, Child and Family Wellness, said.

“It’s essential we continue to develop our Child and Family Health workforce and we are doing this by providing opportunities for our nurses to diversify into this field.”