Childcare & Early Years: Fund changes hit top health team
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A health team at a children's centre in West Sussex is facing an uncertain future after responsibility for its funding moved to the local primary care trust.
The health team at Littlehampton Children's Centre has been funded through Sure Start, via an agreement with the trust, since 2002/03. But from next year the trust will take full responsibility for funding the team.
However, Children & Young People Now understands that the transfer of funding responsibility to the cash-strapped trust means the health team is unlikely to continue in its current form next year.
The health team, which works closely with other professionals, provides a range of services from the centre including baby massage and advice on children with special needs.
The trust said it is aware of the situation. Carol Gareze, the trust's director of primary and community care, said funding for the health team "will be part of the investment bids that go to the West Sussex board for agreement later in the year".
