23rd February 2026

Study shows positive impact of Kingston’s health visiting programme

A research study undertaken by the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, in partnership with Your Healthcare, has identified the positive impact of the health visiting team’s Maternal Early Childhood Home-visiting programme (MECSH). The research was conducted by Mark Jordan, service development & commissioning lead for communities in Kingston’s public health team, and YH health visitor and MECSH lead, Hui Tham.

MECSH is a structured home-visiting programme of at least 25 visits, ideally started in the antenatal period and continuing until the child is two years-old. Currently there are only a small amount of published research studies in the UK surrounding MECSH and the authors hope that this study will be another. The team have been invited to present at the Institute of Health Visiting conference in May.

The study indicated that the lived experience of families that have completed the MECSH is overwhelmingly positive, outlining five key themes. The ‘relationship-based support from the health visitor,’ ensuring a trusting relationship between families and health visitors, was shown to empower parents to accept practical support, such as the health visitor attending appointments or accompanying them to community groups. The theme ‘advocacy and access to support,’ highlighted a particularly important aspect of the health visitor role – embedding prevention and linking with wider health and community services.

The study concludes: “This evidence showcases the unique, holistic role of health visitors from combining knowledge of locally commissioned services, to knowledge and understanding of potential health issues, including referral pathways into wider healthcare services.”

There were notable compliments about the YH service from those taking part, including: “My health visitor, more than anything, she’s been my voice really…you know, it’s like she’s my village”.

Mark Jordan commented: “This research highlights some of the excellent work that has been embedded and delivered locally. A key priority in Kingston and throughout South West London is to enable children to have the ‘best start in life’ and the MECSH programme is an excellent illustration of the impact of targeted early support.”

Hui Tham added: “It was great to be given the opportunity to work with Mark on this study and to be able to provide such valuable evidence about the impact of MECSH. We see the results in action every day – but to have our work officially recognised in a research study is very welcome and very rewarding.”