Plunket nurse's work

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 261, 1 November 1988, Page 13

Plunket nurse's work

The Plunket Nurse in the Waimarino is Carole Harford. Carole is a Registered General and Obstetric Nurse with specialist training in child and baby care. Carole works her 22 hours each week by conducting clinics, home visits and attending appropriate meetings. She makes home visits on Thursday mornings in Raetihi and Friday mornings in Ohakune. Carole visits babies weekly for their first six weeks, then fortnightly for another six weeks. After this, she asks mothers to visit the Plunket rooms for monthly, t w o monthly, six monthly

and then yearly checks. At certain ages the Plunket Nurse conducts physical and developmental tests on young children testing hearing, vision, muscle tone, speech, growth and locomotion. Carole can advise on home and car safety. At the age of three, a visiting Medical Officer should fully check a child's health and development. This check is free and should be used as some problems can be easily remedied if picked up early. In 1987, Carole kept contact with 84 babies and 195 toddlers and preschoolers. 1988 looks as though it will be even busier. Ninety

per cent of the babies in the Waimarino come under the Plunket services. The remainder will either come under Public Health or other services. Appointments can be made by telephoning Ohakune 58-265 o n Friday s from 1pm to 5pm, and Raetihi 54798 Thursdays.