HEALTH visitors tasked with safeguarding vulnerable children are laden with almost twice the recommended number of cases, a newly published report has found.

Due to a shortage of staff there is currently one nurse per 511 patients in Croydon.

The recommended caseload, based on the borough's population, is one health visitor per 300 patients.

NHS South West London, which manages the region's five primary care trusts, has pledged a recruitment drive which aims to address the shortfall by 2015.

But Unison, the public sector union, has warned that the issue requires urgent attention

Regional officer Michael Walker said: "Health visitors can only juggle so many cases for so long.

"At the moment they are acting very professionally and liaise closely with management. But unless extra resources are put into recruitment, it's only a matter of time before someone slips through the net."

Health visitors are qualified and registered nurses or midwives who have been given further training for the role.

The work involves improving the health of families and children, many of whom are subject to child protection issues.

The Department of Health has committed itself to recruiting a further 4,200 health visitors nationally by 2015.

But critics say the plan has been undermined by a public sector pay freeze and a lack of incentive to join the profession.

A report, put before NHS South West London last Thursday, shows health bosses have been concerned about the demands shouldered by health visitors in Croydon since last autumn.

It found that even if all vacant posts in the borough were filled, there would still only be one nurse per 454 patients.

A review, led by then director of nursing Sarah Timms, found a further 72.16 health workers were needed to reduce the caseload to the recommended level.

Mr Walker said: "From speaking to health visitors I know they are very concerned about current case levels.

"They are dealing with very vulnerable families and children. If they don't do their jobs, there can be serious consequences

"I think the police and social services should be very concerned that Croydon is particularly understaffed.

"These agencies need to sit down with the Department for Health and put across a strong case for increased resources so more health visitors can be recruited."

Croydon Council said it was pleased the NHS was "moving in the right direction" to tackle the shortfall.

Training places for child nursing in London have increased 22 per cent this year, from 491 to 629.

A spokeswoman for NHS South West London said: "Alongside NHS London we are undertaking a focused campaign to recruit health visitors.

"This will help to make sure the number in each area is appropriate to the demographics of the local population.

"In Croydon, all vacant posts are actively being recruited and Croydon Health Services will continue to ensure their daily focus on safeguarding children remains robust."