NHS calls on hundreds of health visitors to come back

NHS bosses today launched an appeal urging hundreds of former health visitors to return to the profession.

The country's largest health authority, NHS London, made the plea amid fears that vital signs of neglect or abuse of children could be missed because the service is overstretched. It says "thousands of babies are missing out on essential monitoring of their health and wellbeing" as hundreds of posts stand empty while numbers of births increase.

Children's campaigners say it could result in another Baby P case or lead to vulnerable youngsters being overlooked. The capital's strategic health authority is targeting former health visitors with its campaign, Come Back for the Future, by offering free flexible training and support. There will also be a bursary of at least £1,000 for expenses.