Northern Ireland

Babies and young children could be 'hidden victims of pandemic', NSPCC warns

More than one in five health reviews for babies did not take place during 2020-21. Picture from Press Association
More than one in five health reviews for babies did not take place during 2020-21. Picture from Press Association More than one in five health reviews for babies did not take place during 2020-21. Picture from Press Association

BABIES and young children could be the "hidden victims of the pandemic", a leading charity has warned.

NSPCC Northern Ireland said more than one in five health reviews for babies did not take place during 2020-21.

According to figures from the Department of Health, more than one quarter of babies (28 per cent) missed their 6–9-month contact.

Almost half of infants (48 per cent) missed their one year review, and more than 30 per cent missed their two to two-and-a-half year review.

The charity said it is concerned that pressures on frontline services means babies, infants and families are at risk.

The NSPCC has called for early years services need to be prioritised in the next assembly mandate.

Caroline Cunningham, senior policy researcher for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said families need "dedicated, consistent, interventions".

"Whilst we understand the pandemic has made service delivery more challenging, it is concerning that so many important developmental checks have been missed for babies and young children last year, which are crucial to providing a window to additional support," she said.

"We are now calling on the government in Northern Ireland to prioritise and fund effective early years services to prevent abuse and protect our most vulnerable members of society."

The charity has asked members of the public to sign up to its Fight for a Fair Start campaign.

The campaign is calling for measures including early intervention support for babies, infants and families who need it most.

For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/campaigns/fight-for-a-fair-start