Healthcare regulator promises joined-up services

In its five-year action plan for children, young people and maternity services the regulator hopes to answer concerns about the current state of healthcare provision raised during a recent consultation among parents, professionals and young people.

Poor quality of commissioning, lack of access to mental health support and ineffective transition services between children's and adult services were among concerns raised.

The consultation also flagged up the need for the CQC to ensure health trusts do more to improve the quality of care for children and young people with long-term health conditions as well as the standard of care they receive from emergency care and GP services.

The regulator has pledged to focus on ensuring healthcare for children and young people and pregnant women is "joined up".

The regulator also wants to see more trusts jointly commission services and buy in care that focuses on early intervention and preventative work to improve the health of children and young people.