Learn more about Healthy Start
The Healthy Start team are often asked by health professionals for good practice examples of Healthy Start vitamin distribution. Here are some case studies written by health boards/trusts in the UK which demonstrate what they have achieved in terms of:
- where the vitamins are being distributed
- who is responsible
- what training has been provided locally
- what challenges have been faced/overcome
- key tips for other boards and trusts who are setting up vitamin distribution.
Please note – these case studies refer to organisations and arrangements which may no longer be in effect from April 2013 and the beginning of the new Health and Care system in England. However they may still be a useful reference for organisations setting up distribution.
The helpful key will tell you at a glance how the vitamins are being distributed so you can pick out the case studies which will be most relevant to you.
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Distribution through pharmacies |  |
Free beyond the scheme |
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Distribution through Children’s centres |  |
Selling the vitamins |
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Distribution through health centres |
Case studies
Newham
Newham have a universal scheme which provides three bottles of Healthy Start vitamins to all pregnant women.
Tower Hamlets
In Tower Hamlets all pregnant women are given three botttles of Healthy Start women’s vitamins for free.
Birmingham East and North – September 2011
Birmingham East and North distribute the vitamins universally through pharmacies, GP surgeries, health clinics, the Family Nurse Partnership and children’s centres.
Devon are distributing the vitamins through children’s centres.
East Sussex are distributing the vitamins to those on the scheme and to homeless team clients.
Greater Glasgow and Clyde – September 2011
Greater Glasgow and Clyde are distributing the vitamins through pharmacies, free to those on the scheme and some asylum seekers from at risk groups and also selling them to those not on the scheme.
Luton are giving the first bottle free to all pregnant women at booking visit. After that they can be exchanged for coupons or purchased by those not on the scheme.
South Birmingham – January 2011
South Birmingham distribute the vitamins universally through health centres, health clinics, the Family Nurse Partnership and children’s centres.
Stockport sell the vitamins as well as in exchange for coupons.
Sussex Community NHS Trust, West Sussex – August 2011
West Sussex are distributing the vitamins mainly via children’s centres and have one dedicated Healthy Start co-ordinator.
Torbay distribute the vitamins through childrens centres and sell them to those not on the scheme.
