The new and improved ‘Red Book’ launches for new parents

The new and improved ‘Red Book’ launches for new parents

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has just launched a revised version of the Personal Child Health Record also known as the ‘Red Book’. This book is given to all parents following the birth of their child or if they move to Northern Ireland from another country.

The redesigned version is being introduced following consultation with parents and health professionals. Additional messages and information have been added for parents on keeping children safe and healthy and is illustrated by artwork from student nurses from Ulster University School of Nursing.

Mary Rafferty, Nurse Consultant at the PHA, said: “The ‘Red Book’ is an invaluable record of your child’s health and development in their preschool years and can be used in lots of ways, from recording immunisations and growth measurements, to routine reviews and screenings. This revised ‘Red Book’ contains  up to date information on how to keep your baby safe when sleeping, when to get emergency help, meningitis signs and symptoms and signposting to other useful resources.”


Parents are requested to bring this book with them to all appointments with the health visitor, GP and other professionals including Emergency Department or Out Patients visits.

Mary Rafferty continued: “Parents are encouraged to add to the Red Book themselves by recording their child’s developmental firsts, illnesses, medicines or interesting events and facts. Completion of the Red Book will provide a record of a child’s health and development during their first four years, making it a perfect keepsake.”

Revision of the Red Book has been taken forward by Work Stream One of the Early Intervention Transformation Programme (EITP). EITP aims to improve outcomes for children and young people across Northern Ireland through embedding early intervention approaches.

Parents and professionals are asked to email any suggestions about how the Red Book can be further improved to EITP1@hscni.net.

For further information on your child’s Red Book please speak to your midwife or health visitor.

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