Personal child health record

Forms of parent-held records have been in existence for well over 100 years, but it is only relatively recently that they have been introduced on a systematic basis in the UK. As part of the review of Health for all children in 2003, the Personal Child Health Record was reviewed in England and a national standard core record introduced, reflecting the content of the child health programme with flexibility to allow for local details. It is intended as a record of growth and development and health events, but not as a repository of detailed health promotion material. This principle also applies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland with some variation. Parents value it, but apart from health visitors it is not well used by healthcare professionals. A digital version is in development.