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A prolonged strike by health visitors at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board has led to thousands fewer appointments for babies and children, causing serious concern about the welfare of families during this period. Approximately 100 health visitors have been on strike since February due to disputes over job grading, with staff claiming they are losing up to £9,000 annually. The reduction in home visits has been significant, with the health board emphasizing that maintaining the safety and accessibility of available services remains their top priority throughout the industrial action.
The charity Mothers Matter, which supports new parents and specializes in mental health, reported a sharp increase in demand for its services amid the strike, describing it as having “doubled, if not trebled.” Tracy Sweetland-Hodges, a worker at the charity, said their small team is overwhelmed by the rising number of referrals, struggling to provide help to everyone who needs it. She expressed particular worry about safeguarding children, noting that the stress placed on families is very concerning during an already challenging time for many in the community.
Several new mothers have shared their experiences during the strike, expressing support for the health visitors but highlighting difficulties faced without their usual access to professional support. Clare Boast, who struggled with postnatal depression after her first child, worries that many mothers are missing the chance to open up about their mental health challenges. Likewise, first-time mother Becks Wilson described how the lack of health visitor support complicated her infant’s feeding issues, which eventually required visits to a GP and a paediatrician.
Union representatives emphasize that there are definite risks to families when health visitors are not working in the community. Kerry Parry of Unite stated that the health board bears responsibility for resolving the dispute, which she believes could be settled immediately. Experienced health visitor Melani Smith expressed shock that the situation had escalated to this point, highlighting the limitations of remote contact compared to in-person visits. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, reiterated the union’s commitment to backing its members in their demand for fair pay corresponding with their skills and experience, criticizing the health board’s management of the dispute and urging government intervention. Meanwhile, the Welsh government has acknowledged staff concerns and is encouraging both sides to return to negotiations to find a resolution
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