Over 6,000 Waikato children get health checks

6,230 Waikato four year olds have now received B4School health checks – a huge boost in numbers up from just 480 in July last year

Congratulating Waikato DHB, and the PHOs, nurses and coordinators who deliver the checks, Health Minister Tony Ryall said Waikato exceeded its target for all checks in 2009/10, and has also checked a total of 1605 preschoolers from poorer families.

"We are fixing the health system by making sure children are checked for their health and development so they can get off to a good start when they begin school – I expect Waikato DHB to continue their good record of giving health checks to their four year olds."

The B4School check is the eighth and final Well Child assessment and includes height and weight measurements, hearing and vision testing, a check of a child's oral health and health and behavioural questionnaires.

Mr Ryall said "Some of these issues are very hard to pick up without such a check by a health professional – but sorting them means most children's ability to learn is greatly improved."

"The Government spends $9 million each year on B4School Checks, but last year the programme was performing so poorly, Health Minister warned DHBs he would stop the programme if the number of checks didn't increase.

"DHBs stepped up after that and overall, they have delivered this important health check to around 58,000 young children – over 40,000 in the 12 months to August which is approximately three times more this year than at the same time last year. Now we are making great progress."

DHBs are expected to build overall programme coverage in their areas. They are also expected to provide checks for children in high deprivation areas.

If your child is four, or nearly four, you can contact the Waikato B4School Check coordinator; Michelle Anderson on (07) 8585977.