I attended the NHS ConfedExpo last week, an annual meeting sometimes called "Glastonbury of the NHS". I haven't been to Glastonbury so can't compare, but I did see lots of clinicians and senior NHS managers getting together to discuss challenges and opportunities in our NHS.
Not that long ago, NHS hospitals were run by senior doctors and nurses before non-clinical managers were gradually brought in to support clinical leaders. As business models were introduced to healthcare, hospital manager's roles evolved from what were essentially clerical positions to jobs which lead internal markets, purchaser-provider splits and commissioning. As healthcare reform took place across the UK, and internationally, the reins of responsibility for running hospitals shifted from clinical to non-clinical hands.
Risk abounds in healthcare, more than most business settings, and while clinicians are experienced in holding risk in the health care context, non-clinicians can be more risk averse and revert to the status quo when making decisions. If we want to go further and faster with transformation, this will require taking more risks with the upcoming NHS reforms in England. It is vital that clinical leadership is central in local and national decision-making.
The clinician manages patient-facing interactions, but they need to be empowered at more macro levels. I know many clinicians consider management to direct and oversee the strategic direction of care but suspect they are looking for clinical leadership. Rather like the partnership we have with our patients, clinicians need to take the lead in their relationship management. We have the skills, expertise and appetite.
#WDYCD4U - Our latest podcasts
We have recently released two podcasts exploring key issues shaping child health policy and practice. In the first episode, our Officer for Child Protection, Professor Andrew Rowland, and colleagues look at how paediatricians have influenced the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act. Together they discuss the practical role clinicians can play in shaping policy that supports children's health and education.
We also have a brand-new podcast, Child Health Research, and for our first episode Professor Paul Dimitri, our Vice President for Science and Research, shares insights on the growing impact of digital health technologies - from innovation in care delivery to improving outcomes.
Together, these conversations offer expert perspectives and practical insight to support both your clinical work and wider advocacy. Please take a few minutes to listen when you can and don't forget, all our podcasts episodes can be found on Spotify and Apple.
Health Bill
The UK Government's new Health Bill had it's Second Reading in Parliament last week. This Bill will bring forward a range of measures to reform how the NHS is run, including the abolition of NHS England, reforms to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), the introduction of a single patient record, and the abolition of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch.
You can read more about the Bill, its measures and the the work we're doing to influence it to ensure the system works well for children, young people and our members in this new blog from our Officer for Health Services, Dr Ronny Cheung and our Public Affairs team.
UK government ban on social media for under 16s
Yesterday, the government announced new rules to protect children online, including a social media ban for under 16s, restrictions on live streaming and greater restrictions for under 18s on engaging with strangers online. This welcome focus reflects a growing recognition of the impact the digital environment is having on children’s health.
To input into the consultation on these measures, we ran a member survey earlier this year (you can view the results in this handy short report if you are interested). From that engagement, we know that paediatricians across the UK are increasingly seeing harms linked to online activity presenting in clinics and hospitals, including mental health concerns, bullying, and exposure to harmful content.
At the same time, we spoke to children and young people, particularly those with health conditions and healthcare experiences, who highlighted to us that being online can provide connection, support, and access to information - underlining the importance of getting the balance right. Our Officer for Mental Health Dr Sam Jones has penned our initial response to the newly-announced ban, and our policy team will be looking into what this means in more detail over the coming weeks.
MenB vaccine news
You may have seen the news last week that a new, time-limited MenB (Meningococcal group B) vaccine offer will be available across all four UK nations this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting undergraduate or further education for the first time this autumn.
This has been introduced in response to recent meningitis outbreaks earlier this year and is welcome news from the JCVI while they review the options for a longer-term MenB vaccine programme. You can read more about this new programme, including the four-nation eligibility information and how the vaccines will be rolled out, in this handy UKHSA blog.
In case you missed our new early year's campaign
Last month, we launched a new College campaign, Strong foundations, focused on improving care and outcomes for babies, children and young people in their early years. This is your final opportunity to help shape this work. We need your insight to ensure the campaign reflects the real challenges you face, and the changes needed to make the biggest difference.
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete our survey before the deadline on 25 June. Your voice will directly influence how we advocate for change through this campaign over the next 12 months.
Best wishes,
Steve
This message was emailed on 16 June to all RCPCH members who are opted in to receive College updates / professional updates. You can update your contact preferences at any time - log in to your RCPCH online account, go to My account | Your contact preferences, then make sure you've ticked College updates / professional updates.