Big interview: Framework for good health - Sheila Shribman, national clinical director for children's services

This was emphasised when the previous national clinical director for children's services, Al Aynsley-Green, moved from the health sector to take on a wider remit as children's commissioner. His replacement, Sheila Shribman, who took up the post on 1 December, is well aware that health is a key part of wider youth policy.

"Youth Matters is very relevant to both child and adolescent mental health services and the transitions agenda," she says. "My role will take account of the Choosing Health white paper and Youth Matters."

One of the more innovative health-related ideas flagged up in the youth green paper was the "personal health MOT", a screening scheme to be carried out prior to the transition to secondary school. But this is still at the drawing board stage, says Shribman.