Health and social care for children is often “mediocre” in England, according to a report by former Healthcare Commission chair Sir Ian Kennedy.
The report, commissioned following the death of Baby P and published last week, calls for greater overall investment in child health and social services.
In particular, it calls for better paediatric training for GPs and better information sharing on children within the health service. It has also called for improvements in the transfer of children to adult care so this takes place at the most suitable time for the individual.
National Children’s Bureau chief executive Sir Paul Ennals said he hoped the report would end “infighting” between the NHS and local authorities, and would bring together commissioning of child health services with the delivery of other services to children.
To coincide with the independent report, the Department of Health published a white paper consultation document, Achieving Equity and Excellence for Children, which includes proposals for personalising healthcare for children and ensuring that age-specific information is made available routinely.
NHS Confederation acting chief executive Nigel Edwards said: “Children present specific challenges to the NHS and there are clearly areas where the sharing of information, the design of services, training of practitioners and the culture of care can be improved.”
Meanwhile, a paediatrician who raised concerns about the clinic where Baby P - Peter Connelly - was examined and sent home two days before his death, has launched a personal injury claim against Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust.
Dr Kim Holt raised concerns about staff shortages and a “chaotic” appointments system at St Ann’s Hospital in Haringey around six months before the death of the 17 month old.
She was signed off work with stress and has said she has not been allowed to return to her former post since then.
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