The Department of Health and Social Care 10 Year Workforce plan consultation is now open, and this gives the College a great opportunity to highlight the inequity in funding for child health services compared to adult services. Governments know remarkably little about their workforce, and we will share our wealth of workforce data, including this year’s survey of members who had recently obtained, or were about to obtain, their certificate of completion of training, and also our report on flexible working.
We are actively engaging in this consultation. I’d encourage you to also consider responding as an individual or as sub-specialty group– this would ensure that many voices of paediatricians are heard. This consultation is also a chance to showcase the work being done by our MDTs across the UK; the emerging mantra is “bringing the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS”. And I really like this goal.
The solution to the current challenge faced by child health services across the UK, and internationally, does involve more investment in workforce. But at least as important is the need for the workforce to change how it works. And the work being done across the country illustrates our appetite to change.
In addition to hospital at home, rapid review clinics and involving senior decision-makers early in the child’s emergency and scheduled care, many community-based integrated models of care are emerging, eg Connecting Care for Children. We know that in some departments, approximately 50% of emergency and scheduled referrals to paediatric services could be managed in the community; the development of neighbourhood health systems could be an opportunity to support the workforce to adapt and get upstream of these referrals. Having been involved in transformation in Aberdeen, I can confirm it can take surprisingly little change in practice, is hugely appreciated by families and is very rewarding. Have a chat with your colleagues about the art of the possible.
You may also recall that we recently sought nominations for two member trustee positions for the College’s Board of Trustees. Many thanks for all the applications. We now have the very welcome challenge of shortlisting from the many high quality candidates.
#WDYCD4U – Celebrating research: new awards and 2025 winners
I’m delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 RCPCH research awards, our flagship programme celebrating excellence in paediatric research. These awards recognise innovation, collaboration and impact in child health, and reflect our commitment to driving forward knowledge that benefits all children.
We also take this moment to honour the 2025 award winners, whose work across diverse fields, from epidemiology to implementation science, is already influencing clinical practice, policy and future research directions. Their achievements remind us of what is possible when clinicians, academics and patients come together.
I encourage you to explore the winning projects, learn from their approaches, and consider mentorship or collaboration in the new award cycle. Entries for the 2026 awards are open now until 1 December — together we can nurture the next generation of paediatric research leaders.
Gaza ceasefire
Despite news over the weekend, I have been watching on with hope as a fragile peace takes force in Gaza. The College has called on all parties to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire in the hope this can be the beginning of a sustainable peace that offers everyone affected a chance to heal and rebuild.
Seasonal influenza vaccination – let’s protect ourselves and our patients this winter
Getting the flu vaccination remains the most effective method to help protect both ourselves and our patients against influenza infection. There are a lot of respiratory viruses around at present, and unfortunately it looks like there will be an early start to the flu season. We have a professional responsibility to do everything possible to protect vulnerable individuals against infection, and also take the opportunity to protect ourselves so please join me in making time to get your vaccination when you can.
I am having mine this week. More resources to help encourage and support your colleagues are available from Department of Health and Social Care.
As we enter flu season, we are also in the process of updating our national guidance for the management of children in hospital with viral respiratory tract infections, which was last refreshed in 2023. I hope to be able to share that with you in my next blog.
Calling on the Prime Minister to end physical punishment
As part of our campaign for equal protection from assault for children, this week our Officer for Child Protection, Professor Andrew Rowland, joined NSPCC, Barnardo’s, MPs and fellow campaigners to deliver an open letter to No.10, calling on the Prime Minister to remove the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence and ensure children in England are protected from assault in law. Smacking is already banned in Wales and Scotland, but in England, the Children's Act allows for the practice in cases where it is "reasonable punishment".
Signed by nearly 300 public figures, including around 200 paediatricians, this powerful message received national media attention, showing the Government the widespread support for change. Thank you to all members who added their voice. We’re continuing to work in coalition to build on this momentum of this moment to secure an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. You can see some pictures from the day on our LinkedIn page.
Devolved nations update
On 7 October we launched our Scottish manifesto, The Prescription for Change: Transforming the Future of Child Health. The manifesto draws directly from the voices of children, young people and paediatricians across Scotland, informed through our Scotland member survey and ongoing engagement with members.
The manifesto sets out five clear priorities for the next Scottish Government:
- Using data to drive better child health outcomes
- Tackling health inequalities
- Confronting the emergency in child mental health and neurodevelopmental services
- Strengthening overstretched child health services
- Investing in the child health workforce
Keep an eye out for continued engagement with our manifestos in both Scotland and Wales as we build momentum towards the May 2026 elections.
The last few weeks have also seen RCPCH teams attend party conferences across the nations. In Scotland, Dr Mairi Stark, Scottish Officer, attended the SNP conference and spoke at a fringe event alongside RCPE, CSP, RCN and the Cabinet Secretary for Health. In Northern Ireland, our Ireland Officer, Dr Tom Bourke attended the SDLP conference and discussed child health with numerous MLA’s and MP’s including Party Leader Claire Hanna MP and Colin McGrath MLA Party Health Spokesperson in the only NI Opposition Party. In Wales, we continue to talk to all political parties about the RCPCH Wales manifesto and are getting ready for party conferences season in Spring 2026.
In other news, last week the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) Health and Social Care Committee published a report calling for urgent action to tackle Wales’ obesity crisis. Both our written evidence and Deputy Officer for Wales, Dr Dana Beasley’s oral evidence were cited. We welcomed this report and hope to see the Government respond constructively.
Three ages of childhood programme
There was a wonderful three-part series on Radio 4
recently where Dr Guddi Singh travels across England through the three ages of childhood - the early years, the primary school years and adolescence. It’s a fascinating listen in three 20-minute episodes.
Get involved in College roles
Our College is only able to achieve all that it does because members get involved. Each year, thousands of our members give their time and expertise to support the College’s work, from shaping clinical standards and exams to contributing to education, research and advocacy.
Taking on a College role is a powerful way to influence child health, strengthen our profession and connect with colleagues who share your commitment to improving care for children and young people.
There are opportunities to suit every level of experience and time commitment - whether you can contribute a few hours a year or take on a longer-term position.
Explore College roles and see how you can get involved. It will open new doors for you, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my College roles.
In case you missed it...
The National Neonatal Audit Programme (NNAP) has published its annual report on 2024 data. The report contains a summary of findings for the year and national recommendations, and links to in-depth reporting and resources to support local improvement activities. Alongside a range of data from measures around high quality care, whether guidelines are met and if key standards are achieved, NNAP is publishing data showing how delivery of care interventions has differed by ethnicity. You can read the full report, see resources and find guidance on our website.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
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