Together, these updates reflect how members can shape the future of child health in clinical practice, research and policy.
I get asked lots of questions, and a common theme is “how do I get involved in research?”. The route to becoming research-active changed about a decade ago. Previously, you would find the local university department of child health and ask a university employed paediatrician if they could help. Today, most universities are organised according to research themes, e.g. infection and immunology, which makes it hard to know where to start the journey. And there are fewer paediatricians employed by universities today. Although the importance of research is mentioned in the ten-year plan and medical training review, the NHS has yet to take over from universities.
In response, the Medical Royal Colleges, including RCPCH, have stepped into the breach to support their members to pursue their research interests.
In our 2024 survey, members asked the College to provide research training, whilst also observing the lack of time for research. So, we have created networks for budding researchers to get involved and produced seminars for trainees and consultants with funding opportunities listed on this website. In addition to this member-led activity, the College team (lead by our Vice President for Research Paul Dimitri) continues to engage with research funders, with notable progress with the National Institute of Health and Care research (NIHR) through regular email updates - you can sign up to this eBulletin.
The key to starting your research journey is to join an established group. You can get involved in a clinical trial, ask a specialty group if they need help in creating a guideline, contact a local research network, or a group of clinically active researchers such as GAPRUKI and PERUKI. The NIHR also have useful information for paediatricians.
I have always gained a sense of fulfilment from being an active clinical researcher; a trainees abstract or paper getting accepted is always a fist-bump moment. So, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome to get involved in research.
#WDYCD4U – The Paeds Round: The Secrets of Sickle Cell
How can paediatricians offer patients with sickle cell disease the best possible care? How do we listen to children and young people, and their families, to help recognise and manage their painful crises?
On the most recent Paeds Round, Emma and the team are joined by Dr Subarna Chakravorty, a consultant haematologist, to discuss the NICE guidelines for sickle cell and thalassemia and the management of pain. The panel goes over how children of different ages experience pain differently, and why it’s important to bear in mind any co-morbidity issues and how can paediatricians offer patients with sickle cell the best possible care.
Listen to the latest episode on sickle cell on RCPCH Learning
Listen to all episodes of The Paeds Round on RCPCH Learning
Greener Paediatrics
Our Greener Paediatrics Hub offers practical ways to make paediatric care more sustainable. Explore toolkits, resources, and guidance for integrating environmentally responsible practices into everyday clinical work.
You'll also find insights on how environmental sustainability applies to paediatric sub-specialties, as well as recommendations for asthma management.
A busy month in the UK Parliament
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks in the UK Parliament. In late January, it was fantastic to hear our call for a child health workforce strategy highlighted in the Commons chamber. Dr Paulette Hamilton MP and the Health and Social Care Committee championed this call in its new First 1000 Days report, which the UK Government is required to respond to. We were also pleased to support a statement to MPs as legislation to end the two-child limit to benefit payments started its way through Parliament. Meanwhile in the Lords, we encouraged Peers to support a measure that would make Child Rights Impact Assessments for legislation and policy decisions affecting children statutory.
Workforce issues and solutions in Northern Ireland
We recently held a workshop on ‘Workforce Issues and Solutions in Paediatrics’ chaired by Officer for Ireland, Dr Thomas Bourke. The workshop brought together senior clinicians, training leads, trainees and workforce representatives to explore current workforce challenges in paediatrics in Northern Ireland, with a focus on recruitment, training, and consultant workforce planning. The event concluded with a panel discussion highlighting priority actions and opportunities for collaboration to strengthen the paediatric workforce in Northern Ireland.
Election influencing in Wales
In Wales we’re working to ensure child health is a priority for all political parties ahead of the Senedd election. We’ve had a recent bundle of activity, including a blog from the Wales Deputy Officer, Dr Dana Beasley on transforming health services, and new resources on the voice of children and young people. Imogen, aged 12 shared her wish for child health is ‘to be listened to and have my opinion respected’, I couldn’t agree more. We’re also readying for a political candidate panel at our St David's Day Conference, if you haven’t signed up already, now’s your chance. Keep an eye out for more activities and way to get involved ahead of 7 May.
Election influencing in Scotland
Over recent weeks, our work in Scotland has centred on preparations for the Holyrood election. We launched our dedicated election hub on this website, which will host a variety of content in the leadup to the election in May. Our Officer for Scotland, Dr Mairi Stark, published a blog reflecting on the development of our manifesto and why investment in child health must be a national priority. We also launched our open letter, Scotland’s Children Cannot Wait, calling on political parties to commit to meaningful action to improve children’s health and wellbeing. We would encourage members based in Scotland to sign the letter and join our call.
In case you missed it...
RCPCH Officer Professor Andrew Rowland appeared on BBC Breakfast in January to discuss the thousands of children currently waiting for NHS community care.
Best wishes all round,
Professor Steve Turner