Parents and Carers Group (PCG)

The RCPCH Parents' and Carers' Group (PCG) exists to serve the needs of the parents and carers of children and young people who need the help of paediatricians.

Background

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health set and maintain standards for the education and training of all doctors working in paediatrics and child health in the UK.  We play a key role in influencing the best health outcomes for babies, children and young peoples health, in the UK and internationally, through knowledge, innovation and expertise. We have almost 13,000 members and fellows and employ around 130 staff based in London. 

Children and Young People's Participation and Advocacy Programme

At the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health we are committed to the safe, meaningful and ethical participation of young patients and their families. The College recognises children and young people as key players in advocating for change to improve paediatric care and child health. 

What do we want to achieve?

The College has the responsibility to:

• Ensure the insights and experiences of parents and carers influence the work of the RCPCH strategically, including RCPCH Governance mechanisms.
• Provide a link for the RCPCH to the wider community by bringing together lay people, organisations that have links with paediatric patients and families, the wider public perspective and experts to support the RCPCH improve, influence and lead the way in children’s health.
• Support the meaningful engagement of parents and carers in advocacy efforts across the Royal Colleges in relation to improving child health standards and paediatric services. 
• Advise the RCPCH on its accountability to children, young people and the wider public.

RCPCH Parent and Carers Group

The PCG has been created to advise the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on the needs of babies, children, young people, and their carers. Central to the PCG role is to bring together lay people, organisations that have links with patients, the wider public perspective and experts to support the RCPCH improve, influence and lead the way in children’s health.

The PCG will be instrumental in coordinating efforts across the Royal Colleges in relation to child health and the patient/public/parent perspective to ensure a strong and united voice. The PCG will also explore how to focus its efforts to influence the work of the RCPCH and its accountability to children, young people and the wider public.   

Members of the Patients and Carers Group have found the following organisations and web sites useful: 

• Advice from the NHS website
• Information from the NICCY Website (Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People)
• CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity advice for parents
• Wellchild the support charity for sick children and their carers
• Contact a Family a charity providing access to support for parents and children suffering from rarer conditions
• Action for Children supports young people and parents as well as providing advice from young people for those providing healthcare on the best ways in which to do it
• Information for parents and carers on paediatric surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons
• Patient's Guide to Doctors in Training