Other

Opinion: Debate - Has the NHS failed to make children a priority?

1 min read
Independent watchdog the Healthcare Commission last week said that the NHS had not done enough for children's services, prompting a debate over whether children have been given the priority they need.

No - Karen Jennings, head of health, Unison

The NHS has invested in its traditional home ground of clinical care andcommunity delivery, with good work around the National Service Frameworkfor Children, Young People and Maternity Services. However, the buy-inand resources allocated to Every Child Matters is underwhelming. Theresponse of some GPs for example, who are crucial to delivery, leaves alot to be desired. There are positive signs of innovative NHSinvolvement in Sure Start and extended services - but more work isneeded.Yes - Lucy Read, project co-ordinator, National Children's Bureau

Some NHS services are proactively involving children and young peoplemore than ever. The difficulty is not that NHS staff have failed toprioritise services, more that different levels of knowledge, skills andconfidence among professionals mean trusts need to know how to do moreto help staff. Children and young people are one of the biggest groupsto use the health service and the NHS needs to train professionals toactively involve them.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

CEO

Bath, Somerset

Hertfordshire Youth Workers

“Opportunities in districts teams and countywide”