Client Centred Approach to Community Child and Family Care: A descriptive account of social support services provided by Plunket nurses in the central region

Introduction
 Over the last five years health services in New Zealand have undergone considerable changes.  For many consumers these changes have been, and continue to be, confusing, threatening and challenging.  Throughout this period of change the Plunket nurse has most often been seen as a health professional who is able to facilitate, advocate and often guide families, especially mother, in the creation of supportive environments for the family.  This paper presents an analysis of 110 incidences of such guidance, originally drawn by Plunket nurses from their practice and described in brief written accounts.  Themes that emerged suggest that there are seven major areas in which social support is sought.  The seven themes are advocacy, referrals, child’s health, family support, parenting education, maternal support and women’s well being.