Parentcraft Services is an extremely family-friendly Unit at MDH, with a Mission to “Educate and Support”
Although hospital-based, Parentcraft Services is very much oriented towards Primary Health Care, although it is also a bridge to hospital care should a client present with any complaint or health problem. Close liaison is continuously maintained with hospital practices and policies, to ensure
that accurate and updated information is passed on to clients
Parentcraft Services has proved invaluable during the COVID and post-COVID period, being of support to thousands of expectant and new parents, and providing information about changes in MDH policies and procedures. In April 2020, an online service was created to replace the popular Parentcraft Courses. This service has expanded immensely with almost 8000 members in 100 online groups. Another extremely popular creation is the Help Chat "Ask the Parentcraft Midwife" https://www.facebook.com/Ask-the-Parentcraft-Midwife-106715050977960
where questions asked will be answered professionally by one of the Parentcraft midwives. Furthermore, Parentcraft Services has a very popular Support Telephone Helpline - 2545 5124, where clients can call in, to ask help for any problem, both during pregnancy or after birth. The telephone helpline is open to all, including those who have never attended sessions, relatives, and anyone wishing to make use of this service. Calls vary from brief ones enquiring about the courses or about applications, to complicated and intense ones, some-times requiring referral to other Departments/Units. Parentcraft Services can also be contacted on generic email: [email protected]
Liasion:
Parent Craft Services works in close liaison with various Services and Departments, including:
• GHOZZA (Education Department – formerly called School Girl Mothers Unit),
• Commissioner for Children
• SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and the Bereavement Midwife;
• ABC (Association of Breastfeeding Counsellors) and Breastfeeding Walk-In Clinic;
• Ministry for the Family and Social Security,
• Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS).
• Il-Benniena and Homestart - Social Services;
• SEDQA,
• Beyond Borders, Agenzija TAMA - Adoption
• KOPIN, AWAS, KRS and other NGOS working with asylum seekers.
• Perinatal Mental Health Clinic, Richmond Foundation, Crisis Resolution Malta, Crisis Intervention Unit – psychological problems,
• Institute of Family Therapy (IFT) – relationship difficulties,
• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Unit,
• Occupational Health and Safety Authority
• Department for Industrial and Employment Relations
• Midwives Association, Faculty of Health,
• Malta College of Family Doctors,
• Education Department, Institute for Further Studies, MCAST, etc
