CYP Now - Now is the time to make local health integration a reality

The next 18 months will be a highly significant period for the delivery of health services in this country, particularly for babies and children. With local authorities set to take over the commissioning of health visitors and other services in 2015, we will see the next stage in the transformation of the health service landscape that has been ongoing for a number of years. In this context, it is perhaps a good time to pause and reflect on the changes that still need to take place to ensure that we deliver these vital services as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Improving children's and families' health continues to be a top priority in this country. According to Michael Marmott's 2010 report, families in the poorest neighbourhoods will die, on average, seven years earlier than those in the richest ones. Children's health prospects are worse in Britain than in much of the rest of Europe, with figures from the World Health Organisation showing that five children die unnecessarily in this country every day, while there are ongoing concerns over rising levels of child obesity and children and young people's mental health. Also, from a family perspective, recent 4Children research shows that only 33 per cent and 28 per cent of people consider GPs' surgeries and hospitals, respectively, to be family friendly.

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