In the UK a health visitor is a qualified and registered nurse or midwife to assess the health needs of individuals, families and the wider community.
The service is universal and preventative. It includes visits to all new parents. Similar services are offered in other states with universal health care for its citizens. The role is distinct from home visitation that tends to refer to more specified support as part of broader programs such as Nurse Family Partnership provided to high risk families, particularly in the United States where there is no universal health coverage.