Sure Start community children's nursing: Setting up a minor illness and injury service for children up to five years.

A feasibility study was carried out in a Sure Start area to examine ways of implementing the 'improving health' Sure Start target to reduce the numbers of children aged up to five years being admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis, respiratory infection and severe injury. As a result of the study's recommendations a community children's nurse was employed as part of the Sure Start team to support families caring for children with minor illnesses or injuries at home. The pilot scheme has been well received by the local community, and families report a reduced reliance on hospital and GP services.