Community child health nurses
- Community child health nurses, employed by WA Health, are registered nurses with qualifications in child and family health.
- They are experienced professionals who have a variety of nursing and other qualifications.
- Community child health nurses offer a range of services for families with babies and young children.
These services may be provided:
- in your home
- at the child health centre
- other community venues.
Be COVID safe.
- Do not attend our centres if you, your child or anyone coming with you are sick.
- Do not attend if you are under direction to quarantine or self-isolate.
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands when you enter and leave our centres.
- Keep 1.5 metres space between you and others.
- Follow the allocated room capacity numbers.
Find out more about COVID-19.
Child and family health services
Community child health nurses provide a service in partnership with parents and carers of babies and young children up to the age of 4 years.
Community child health nurses:
- assess baby and child health and development
- provide ongoing support for families and can offer information about many aspects of parenting, maternal and family health and healthy lifestyles
- provide information about immunisation and locations of free clinics in community health centres
- act as a link between hospitals and the community, working with family GPs and other health professionals when necessary
- work as part of a broader health team and can refer to:
- Aboriginal and ethnic health workers
- audiologists
- dietitians
- lactation consultants
- medical officers
- occupational therapists
- paediatricians
- physiotherapists
- podiatrists
- psychologists
- speech therapists
- social workers
- specialised health educators.
Drop-in sessions
COVID-19 update
For the time being, the child health nurse drop-in sessions have changed.
Instead of dropping by in person to talk about your child health and parenting questions, you can phone 1300 749 869 (8.00am to 5.00pm) and your local child health nurse will call you back.
If needed, they will also book a clinic appointment for you.
Parenting groups
Parenting groups conducted by community child health nurses provide an opportunity to connect with other fathers and mothers, and share experiences.
Joining a parenting group is a way to find out about issues related to the age of your baby, as well as information on health and parenting.
For more information visit the parenting groups page or contact the nurse at your nearest centre.
Working with the nurse
All children develop at different rates.
As parents are often closest to their child, they can be the first person to sense there is something not quite right.
Contact the community child health nurse or family GP if you have any concerns about your child’s:
- health
- development
- behaviour.
The nurse can provide information on a range of issues including:
Don’t forget to bring your child’s personal health record, All About Me, to all of your meetings with the community child health nurse.
Child health centre locations
Soon after your baby is born, your child health nurse will contact you to make an appointment.
If you don't have an appointment, or have moved, you can find your nearest child health centre by using the National Health Services Directory (external site). You can also enter your suburb to narrow the search results.
There are centres right around Western Australia. Most are open Monday to Friday, but some less often, and you usually need an appointment.
All services are free.
Ask for a free telephone interpreter if you need one.
Remember
- Community child health nurses offer a range of services for families with babies and young children, including information about immunisation and locations of free clinics in community health centres.
- Joining a parenting group is a way to find out about issues related to the age of your baby.
Last reviewed: 03-02-2022
Acknowledgements
Child and Adolescent Health Service – Community Health (CAHS CH)
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.