APPOINTMENTS Please call:

Cowes, Corinella,
Grantville, San Remo
T: 5951 2100

Wonthaggi & Inverloch
T: 5671 3500

After Hours ring Vic 24hr Maternal Child Health Nurse for advice on 132229 or in the event of an emergency ring Wonthaggi Hospital on 5671 3333.

Our professional and friendly team includes:

• Maternal and Child Health Nurse Service
• Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Service
• Supported Playgroups and Parent Groups
• Best Start Program
• Child Social Worker
• Home Visiting
• Parent Groups

Key age and stages for Maternal and Child Health appointments are:
2 wks - 4wks - 8wks - 4mths - 8mths - 12mths - 18mths,
2 years and 3 ½ - 4 yrs.

Each Maternal Child and Health Nurse is notified by the hospital of any births in their area. The MCH Nurse will make contact with these parents within five working days of receiving the birth notice to arrange the first visit, which is usually in your home. Councils from other localities may notify us if a child moves into their area. You may also choose to make contact with us on the numbers above if you move into the area.

Families usually attend the Maternal and Child Health Centre for subsequent consultations. If at any time you feel the need to talk to or have contact with a Maternal Child Health Nurse, please ring your nearest location above.

All members of our team are professionals trained in either Nursing and Children’s Services, and aim to provide support and information to parents on all aspects of the health and development of children up to five years of age. Our team can refer you to other relevant family services if required.

Maternal & Child Health Service:

The maternal and child health service is a free service available to all families with children from birth to school age. The service is run by maternal and child health nurses who are registered nurses with additional qualifications in midwifery and maternal and child health. This service offers information on subjects such as breastfeeding, child health and development, infant and child nutrition, home safety for children and maternal health.

Download - Maternal and Child Health Service Brochure 

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health:

The enhanced maternal & child health service targets families that have needs beyond that of the universal components of the maternal & child health service.

Supported Playgroups and Parent Groups:

The objectives of the supported playgroups and parent groups are to promote improved health, development and wellbeing outcomes for children, build parents’ confidence and capacity and support the establishment of social networks, model and support developmentally appropriate play experiences and parenting practices and to promote and support participation in the maternal and child health service and kindergarten programs and link families to other services and supports.

This initiative aims to engage vulnerable and disadvantaged families who may, for a range of reasons, under utilise or have difficulties accessing universal early childhood services and supports, including playgroups and parent groups. There are four population groups that are specifically targeted under this initiative. They are: Indigenous children and their families, culturally and linguistically diverse children and their families, with a particular focus on recently arrived families and children and families affected by disability.

Best Start Program:

The Best Start program supports families, caregivers and communities to provide the best possible environment, experiences and care for young children in the important years from pregnancy to school. Best Start aims to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of children from birth to eight years of age by providing better access to child and family support services, health services and early education.

Child Social Worker

This service targets young people who are experiencing a combination of issues which present significant barriers to their educational attainment and successful transition through school.

Our social worker assists young people to remain engaged or re-engage them with education and/or further training through the provision of individualised case management to overcome barriers such as educational factors, personal factors and social, cultural and community issues which may be impeding their successful transition through school.

Focus is strongly on achieving positive outcomes for young people, prioritised towards personal development; connection with, and progression through, education; building strong relationships with other stakeholders

Home visiting

A Maternal Child Health Nurse will visit you at home for your first appointment. Each nurse is notified by the hospital of any births in their area. The nurse will make contact with these parents within five working days of receiving the birth notice to arrange this first visit. They can provide support and reassurance with any concerns and will arrange your next appointment with the Maternal Health Nurse at the centre closest to you.

Parent Groups

Parent groups are six-week programs based around particular topics concerning you and your baby. These groups are a great way to relax and meet other mums with babies around the same age, and provide valuable information including CPR, first foods, and settling your baby. The groups are informal and friendly, and normally begin when baby is around six weeks of age. Your Maternal Health Nurse will give you the details on your second or third visit.