14 October 2007

Parents' views sought on new 'Blue Book'

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher today launched an online survey to gauge feedback from parents on the recently updated personal health record for children.

The personal health record, known to most parents as the 'Blue Book', is provided to all parents with new born babies.

The Blue Book is used to help parents record immunisation information, their child's growth and visits to the family doctor or child and family health nurse. It also provides advice on routine child health screening.

Ms Meagher said it was important for the Blue Book to be user-friendly and relevant to parents' needs.

"The latest edition of the Blue Book was released in March 2007 following extensive consultation with parents and health professionals," Ms Meagher said.

"We are now keen to hear from parents about their experience in using the new book.

"This valuable feedback from parents will help us to keep improving this important resource," Ms Meagher said.

The Personal Health Record, or Blue Book, has been given to all new parents since 1 January 1988.

It provides a structure for routine child health and development checks, including checklists for parents and health practitioners.

Ms Meagher said the Blue Book also covers topics for discussion relevant to particular ages and stages of a child's development.

"This resource helps to facilitate parents' involvement in their child's health and development and supports them in their role as the primary care giver," Ms Meagher said.

"We are encouraging all parents who have received a copy of the new Blue Book since March to participate in the survey so that they may contribute to the further development of this useful tool."

The online survey can be accessed from today until Sunday 4 November 2007 on the NSW Health website - www.health.nsw.gov.au

All questionnaires are completely confidential. Anyone wishing to participate in the evaluation, but who cannot access the internet, should contact April Hyde on (02) 9391 9578.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au