Network meeting strengthens child care: experts for special families!

Network meeting strengthens child care: experts for special families!

In Schwandorf, there was a lot of excitement at the second interdisciplinary network meeting on the care of newborns and (small) children in the district office. Around 40 participants came together, including midwives, doctors, pediatric nurses and representatives of early intervention centers, to discuss improving childcare and family support. Upper Palatinate Echo reports on the great interest that the exchange generated and the most important topic: providing families and children with special needs with appropriate support.

The day brought together numerous experts, including Dr. Stefanie Bauer, head of the health department, and Martin Rothut, head of the district youth welfare office. Together they discussed how interfaces between different services can be improved to provide seamless care to affected families. New impulses and solutions were on the agenda, especially through four short lectures by experts such as Dr. med. Laaths from the St. Marien Amberg Children's Clinic and others. These lectures contributed to the wealth of content and lively exchange that characterized the event.

Progress and new initiatives

There have been positive developments since the first meeting, which took place last year. The participants reported on a newly set up emergency telephone for postpartum midwives, which intensified intercollegiate exchange. This means that many concerns that were previously open have been closed, and as a community we have shown a good knack for further optimizing childcare. A new insert card for the maternity pass was also introduced, which is intended to enable quick access to a midwife in the early phase of care.

The meeting not only focused on exchange, but also on the importance of education and training. Studies have shown that regular exercise is crucial in neonatal resuscitation. The needs of home births, which also involve risks, were also part of the discussions. It was emphasized that good preparation for possible resuscitation measures is also a crucial factor in improving newborn care.

A look into the future

With a firm plan to hold the next meeting in 2026, the organizing team keeps its finger on the pulse and proves that the needs of newborns and their families are treated as a priority. Feedback forms demonstrate the participants' willingness to engage in further exchange and provide evidence of a high level of overview of the offering structure in the district.

Everyone agreed at the final round: the exchange must continue, and initiatives to care for and support families with special needs must be a constant focus. The goal remains clear: to create smooth transitions at the interfaces and to ensure the best possible care for all children in Schwandorf.