Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Health Visitors Urged to Limit Caseloads Amid Decline

4/21/2026

49 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) calls for limits on health visitor caseloads in England, where some manage over 1,000 families.
Health visitor numbers have fallen 45% in the last decade.
Guidelines call for five visits, but many do not receive care.
The Department of Health and Social Care plans to strengthen health visiting services.
A new RSV vaccine for pregnant women shows promising protection for newborns from severe infections.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) calls for limits on health visitor caseloads in England, where some manage over 1,000 families.
Health visitor numbers have fallen 45% in the last decade.
Guidelines call for five visits, but many do not receive care.
The Department of Health and Social Care plans to strengthen health visiting services.
A new RSV vaccine for pregnant women shows promising protection for newborns from severe infections.