The NHS Operating Framework for 2008/09 lists five national priorities for the service, one of which is ‘keeping adults and children well'.
Within this the NHS has identified a particular need for primary care trusts (PCTs) to take action to improve "children's and young people's physical and mental health and wellbeing".
The framework states this is needed to combat rising levels of childhood obesity.
Meeting the needs of disabled young people is identified as a priority that PCTs should be setting themselves locally.
Examples of possible improvements include increasing the availability of short breaks and developing palliative care services.
Steve Broach, campaign manager for Every Disabled Child Matters, welcomed the announcement, but warned: "PCTs will need extra resources to deliver properly on this new priority."
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