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A health visitor talks about video appointments.
It was by necessity that during the Covid pandemic we had to move to video appointments. We continue to use this type of appointment.
Health visitor Fran Griffin speaks:
Tell us about using video and phone calls with families?
My contact with families underwent a huge change from being face to face with people. For the first time in 34 years, I was sitting in front of the computer screen using video technology and new phone systems. I was surprised that although this has removed me from families homes it also came with some advantages, although I still had the urge to offer home visits! I found myself able to discuss emotional issues in much more depth with families. I was able to give far more time to breastfeeding mothers and to help with feeding issues a great deal more via video or phone. Working with videos and phone contact means it has been possible to just offer a call, which can be very reassuring for a parent. I was worried about what I look like and want to reassure you that hair and makeup are optional for you and me!!
Why are we continuing with some video and telephone appointments?
Feedback from the families we work with suggests that for some of our contacts, a video or telephone call is as useful as face to face. We plan to offer a choice of face to face, video and telephone appointments. If you are not offered your preference, you can ask for the appointment type to be amended and if possible we will arrange this. Sadly, it is not possible for all our appointments to be face to face. We will continue to ask for feedback.
How do I join a video appointment?
You will be sent an SMS message at the TIME of your appointment. We can send this to your phone number or email. Please let us know your preference by calling or emailing us.
To start the video appointment:
- Click on the link
- You will be asked to test your microphone
- Then Click to join
We hope you will enjoy the video appointment; other members of your family are welcome to join in. They can either be in the same room with you or we can send additional invites if, for example, your partner is elsewhere. We always ask to “see” the children and talk to them too – even a small baby!
We can also invite interpreters to attend a video appointment – please let us know in advance if possible.
We will be in a private space.
