Hope your New Year is off to a good start. Although 2026 is here and 2025 is now history, most of the challenges facing us last year are still sitting right in front of us. We are busy seeing children with respiratory viruses, and resident doctors are in dispute with NHS in Scotland and England. But there is also good news: the rollout of the chickenpox vaccine across the UK from 2 January 2026 will benefit children and families. I still reflect after many years on why I did not spot a septic arthritis in a child covered in chickenpox with persistent fevers.
Despite an early peak in the flu season, we have seen slightly lower numbers on average in PICU across the UK than in recent winters; it’s too early to say whether this is associated with or due to the introduction of the RSV vaccine.
Despite an early peak in the flu season, we have seen slightly lower numbers on average in PICU across the UK than in recent winters; it’s too early to say whether this is associated with or due to the introduction of the RSV vaccine.
Looking ahead, I hope that in 2026 our child health community continues to transform models of care. The unacceptably long waiting times for ADHD and Autism assessments are testimony to the fact that the needs of children and young people have changed faster than their services. Clinical leadership and empowerment of clinicians are both crucial to driving change. Other new ways of working include hospital at home, rapid review clinics, Martha’s Rule, open-ended discharge from clinic in lieu of a six-month review and involving senior decision makers early in the child’s scheduled or unscheduled care.
We can also get involved in emerging neighbourhood health teams; these are key to transformation in all health care systems. Additionally, we can get upstream of the flow of patients to our Emergency Departments and clinics, by engaging with local primary care teams, and asking curious questions to local health and social care teams. For example, “where do children and young people fit into this plan?” Challenge brings opportunity and fulfilment. Carpe diem.
#WDYCD4U – Leading the Way podcast series
If you have not already done so, why don’t you tune into the RCPCH leadership podcasts. Each lasts 15-20 minutes. In December, the tables are turned and our usual host Jonathan Darling is interviewed. You can tune in here.
Showcase your work at NHS ConfedExpo 2026!
NHS ConfedExpo is the UK's leading health and care conference, dedicated to driving innovation and improving care for patients and the public. In this open call for breakout session proposals, they are looking for tangible examples of work that is improving the NHS and wider health sector. We want to encourage our members to share their examples of innovative local practice to ensure paediatrics is front and centre at this major health and care event. If you've been involved in a project in your Trust that has made an impact, do consider submitting it for consideration. Deadline for submissions is 23 January.
Update to childhood vaccination schedule
As I briefly mentioned above, there was welcome New Year’s news that all young children in the UK can now be offered protection against chickenpox for the first time on the NHS. The UK Health Security Agency has published a blog detailing changes to the childhood vaccination schedule including the introduction of the MMRV vaccine. There is also a catch-up programme for children born between September 2022 and June 2024. The College will continue to work hard to improve vaccine uptake across the UK and so this is welcome news. We were also encouraged by the launch of a new pilot scheme that will see children in England offered vaccines in their own homes.
Junk food advertising ban
In more good news for public health, the UK Government has finally introduced restrictions on junk food advertising on TV and online before 9pm. This long-awaited step has been years in the making and an issue the College has long campaigned for in collaboration with the Obesity Health Alliance, of which we are a member. There is still much more to do to address the obesogenic environment our children live in, but this is a step in the right direction for child health and inequalities.
Wes Streeting engagement
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting MP) has given an interview to the Today Programme (join at 1:35) noting his shock at the lack of focus on children's health when he was in opposition. It is the UK Government’s aim to raise the healthiest generation of children ever and so, in line with the College’s role to advocate for children and young people and our members, I have since written to the Health Secretary offering to work with him to help meet our shared ambition.
New Year Honours
It is always fantastic to see the New Year Honours celebrating the achievements of individuals across society, especially those improving the lives of children. A heartfelt congratulations to all those who have been recognised.
In case you missed it...
2026 means it is officially the 30th anniversary of RCPCH! To celebrate, we’re inviting members at every career stage and from every location to share their stories to inspire the next generation and help shape the next 30 years.
Whether you’re sharing your best day at work, or some advice on how you maintain your wellbeing in paediatrics, we want to hear about your memorable moments. Find out more and see how you can get involved. Together, our stories shape the future of child health.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
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