Instead, there is a growing focus on problems around NHS reconfigurationand financial position, and some broad and damning assumptions aboutchildren's health services that don't reflect the commitment and passionof the vast majority of staff.
Clearly, money and restructuring have to be worked through. But asgreater co-terminosity is achieved and more primary care trusts reinventthemselves, this is a time for optimism and a push to get the EveryChild Matters agenda embedded in services.
Local authorities need to recognise the potential gains as more trustswill now support the same populations. And all trusts will have a Fitfor Future assessment to ensure they're sufficiently robust to meet thechallenges ahead. Children's services directors must seize the momentand lobby strategic health authorities to ensure this definition ofrobust includes trusts' commitment to children.
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