Nelson Marlborough Health's Public Health Service helps to reduce the likelihood of infectious disease outbreaks at childcare centres.

They do this by providing:

  • health assessments (charges may apply) and reports required under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
  • general public health advice and guidelines for people planning a new centre, renovations or re-licencing a centre
  • specialist advice about drinking-water, disease outbreaks and chemical hazards.

There is potential for disease transmission among children at centres because:

  • children under five years old are likely to have poorly-developed personal hygiene habits
  • there is a high level of physical contact between children
  • nappy changing is a high-risk activity
  • food may be shared
  • children tend to place items in their mouths, and may contaminate those items.