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Clear inequalities in health visitor access

Children who live in Scotland's most deprived areas are less likely to be seen by a health visitor than those in privileged areas, according to research.

Children who live in Scotland's most deprived areas are less likely to be seen by a health visitor than those in privileged areas, according to research.

A study conducted by NHS Scotland and the University of Edinburgh found that 78 per cent of children in deprived areas received their 39 to 42 month review, compared with 92 per cent among families in the least deprived areas.

The researchers looked at take-up of child health reviews among 80,000 babies, born between November 1998 and June 2008.

Overall, 99 per cent of the children were seen by a health visitor within 10 days of being born, while just 86 per cent received the 39 to 42 month review.