RCPCH

Commenting on the Government's pledge to reduce child deaths as part of its response to the Children and Young People's Health Outcomes Forum, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dr Hilary Cass, said:

'Putting children and young people at the heart of the NHS is our primary concern – and the Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Framework marks a significant step in measuring just how far our healthcare service is fit for purpose.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week 11 - 17 February

My name is Naomi. I’m 19 years old and I am in my first year at University. I enjoy yoga, riding, art and photography. I also have an eating disorder.

My eating disorder probably began when I was 12 but it took me a while to realise it. I had a chaotic and abusive upbringing which resulted in me having to spend time in care. These experiences took a lot of my childhood, happiness, safety and identity away from me.

In response to the publication of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, Dr Hilary Cass, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

'The publication of today’s Francis Inquiry demonstrates powerfully the extent to which systemic failures, breakdown of communication and poor management in Mid-Staffordshire cost lives – and is right to say that all healthcare professionals and the organisations that represent them have a responsibility to act promptly to ensure such a crisis never happens again.

A study by researchers at Imperial College in London has shown a sharp fall in the number of children admitted to hospital with severe asthma after smoke-free legislation was introduced in England. 

The study showed a 12% drop in the first year after the law to stop smoking in enclosed public places came into force and the authors say there is growing evidence that many people are opting for smoke-free homes as well.