Many thanks to colleagues who got in touch with photos of sunshine to remind us in Aberdeen, that the sun was still shining somewhere. My daughter, currently living in Australia, said that the 21 sun-free days in the Granite City even made the news there. Delighted to report that we have now seen the sun, currently shining through light snow as I write.
What is also becoming illuminated through the gloom is that governments are becoming much more closely aligned with our College’s ambitions for children and young people. The Model Emergency Department, published by NHS England on 9 February, states that its principles of care for children and young people “should be read in conjunction with [RCPCHs] Facing the Future standards for children and young people in emergency care”.
This is impressive impact, and we are thrilled to see our standards being used in this way.
There is plenty happening across the devolved nations too. The Scottish government celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Scottish Child Payment by increasing the benefit and lifting more families out of poverty. In Wales, our team also focuses on child poverty with its Putting Children First manifesto. In Northern Ireland, the focus has been on mental health, with the publication of a new report looking at new ways to address the continued strain on children’s mental health services.
What is also clear is that there is a lot more work to do. Workforce is an issue, with both the need for adequate numbers and empowering clinicians to transform their practice without looking over their shoulders at “management”. In addition to supporting transition, we are also active in supporting vaccination delivery, reducing long community child health waits and providing mental health. Many thanks to members for being our ears and eyes at the clinical interface, and for getting involved in college roles as we help facilitate change.
I will sign off with a slightly belated Happy Chinese New Year, Ash Wednesday and Ramadan Mubarak for those celebrating.
#WDYCD4U – Leading the way podcast episode 8: Strategic leadership in safeguarding, with Dr Vicki Walker
All child health professionals, no matter their role, must have knowledge and skills in safeguarding and as a designated doctor in child protection, Vicki has particular leadership experience in this area. Podcast host, Dr Jonathan Darling, sits down with Vicki to discuss leadership and personal growth. Leadership is not a straight road, it is a journey shaped by choices, passions, and resilience. Vicki’s story reminds us that when we lead with authenticity and care, we truly make a difference.
The episode is now available to listen to wherever you listen to your podcasts. Find out more and listen to the latest episode.
RCPCH AGM going online
We recently confirmed that our 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held online only on 2 June 2026, replacing the previous hybrid format which was held during the annual conference. This decision was made by our Board of Trustees to improve accessibility, increase member participation and address longstanding scheduling pressures associated with holding the AGM during the annual conference. Governance arrangements will remain unchanged.
The online format will be piloted this year and we’ll evaluate before deciding on whether to carry this on in future years. We hope going online strengthens our ability to hear from more voices and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to engage.
Measles outbreak
It is deeply upsetting and frustrating, though perhaps not surprising, that shortly after the UK once again lost its measles free status, a measles outbreak occurred across schools in North London. We encourage everyone to “think measles” and be alert to its symptoms in children and young people. Our 'Think measles' poster outlines these symptoms and includes links to images of measles rashes on different skin tones.
Please take every opportunity to talk to families about immunisations and respond to their questions. Vaccines save children from harm and allow busy families to keep busy. I believe that by working together, we can protect children from sometimes life threatening but very preventable diseases.
Screen time
On Monday, the RCPCH Health Policy team responded to a Department for Education (DfE) consultation on screen time usage for the under 5’s age group, which will be considered by the DfE Early years screen time advisory group when producing new parental guidance on screen time and usage, due to be published in April 2026. Children aged 0–5 are in a crucial stage of development, and maximising early development can shape lifelong health and wellbeing, including use of screentime. You can read our submission.
Scotland’s children cannot wait
As part of our pre‑election activity for the upcoming Holyrood election, RCPCH Scotland are asking members in Scotland to add their names to our open letter calling on candidates to commit to sustained investment in child health services and the workforce and take meaningful action to reduce child poverty. Once this action closes, we will send the letter directly to candidates, making sure your voice is heard where it matters. Adding your name helps strengthen our collective call for change. Read our letter and sign.
In case you missed it...
Our new Digital Health Hub, exclusive for members, is now live, with the first resource, the Digital Solutions Catalogue, now available for members to explore and identify, evaluation and adopt proven digital solutions that support better care and operational efficiency.
You will find:
- Curated solutions – Each tool is reviewed for quality, safety and relevance to healthcare settings
- Easy navigation – Browse, filter by category or search by keyword
- Evidence-based information – Each listing has details on features, benefits and supporting evidence
Over the coming months, we will be launching more resources to develop essential digital competencies and help you integrate digital solutions into your everyday practice. Keep your eyes peeled!
Best wishes all round,
Steve
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